The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has concluded a three-day workshop with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on developing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) free zones across India. The workshop, held from 15 to 17 September 2026 in New Delhi, brought together state animal husbandry departments, industry experts and international specialists to design practical pathways for creating disease-free regions.
What was discussed and achieved
The Department has set a target of achieving FMD freedom by 2030 as part of its Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme. Officials highlighted that India has already administered over 147 crore FMD vaccine doses, benefiting around 8 crore farmers. The number of FMD outbreaks has fallen significantly from 132 cases in 2019 to just 20 by August 2026. Tests for disease antibodies in vaccinated animals showed a positivity rate of 8.1 percent in 2025.
Representatives from nine priority states presented action plans during the workshop. The three days of discussions focused on five key areas: strengthening vaccination systems and working with vaccine manufacturers; setting up surveillance and diagnostic partnerships; establishing animal identification and traceability systems; involving producer organisations in the value chain; and developing financing models. The Department has also released guidelines for creating FMD-free compartments and launched Minimum Standards of Veterinary Infrastructure in 2025. States are being supported through the Support to States for Capital Investment framework to close infrastructure gaps.
The workshop emphasised that private sector participation should go beyond funding to cover the entire animal health value chain, from vaccine supply and diagnostic services to animal traceability and risk communication. This approach aims to create stronger accountability and long-term sustainability of FMD-free zone initiatives.
What this means for you
If you are a farmer or work in livestock and dairy sectors, your state is likely developing an FMD-free zone with strengthened disease controls and better traceability systems. This could improve market access and trade prospects for livestock products. States have been given clearer technical standards and timelines to work towards, and private businesses are being brought in to strengthen vaccine delivery and animal health services in your region.