Livestock Health and Diseases Control

Livestock Health and Disease Control is a central government scheme run by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It protects farmers and livestock owners through nationwide disease surveillance, vaccination drives, mobile veterinary units and better veterinary infrastructure. For 2026-27 the program continues with updated operational guidelines and new components like Pashu Aushadhi.

Livestock Health and Disease Control - Introduction

Livestock Health and Disease Control Program, also known as LHDCP, focuses on keeping a healthy herd and securing the livelihood of livestock owners. The main aim is to control and wipe out major diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and Bovine Brucellosis through large-scale vaccination drives.

Through this scheme, farmers can get veterinary services right at their doorstep through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) on the toll-free number 1962. The program also works with state authorities to keep critical poultry and livestock diseases in check according to local needs. The government has set a target to control and eradicate FMD and PPR by 2030.

The scheme now runs as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with three main parts. These are the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP), the Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH and DC) part, and the Pashu Aushadhi part. Each part handles a specific side of animal health.

Here is a quick look at the key details of the scheme:

Key Information

Main Components

The LHDCP is built around three major components that together cover disease control, doorstep veterinary care and affordable medicines. The National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP) controls and eradicates FMD in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs, and also controls Bovine Brucellosis through vaccination. The Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH and DC) part works on economically important, zoonotic, exotic and emerging diseases. It has three sub-parts: Critical Animal Disease Control Program (CADCP) to control PPR and CSF, Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries with Mobile Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU), and Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD).

The third component, Pashu Aushadhi, makes affordable generic veterinary medicines and ethno-veterinary medicines available through PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PM-KSKs) and cooperative societies. This part runs with the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the Ministry of Cooperatives.

Benefits

Farmers taking part in Livestock Health and Disease Control gain several clear advantages that protect farm income. The program builds herd immunity through vaccination, which lowers the risk of sudden disease outbreaks and the heavy losses they bring.

• Better animal health: Livestock stay protected against dangerous infections like FMD, PPR, CSF and Brucellosis, which leads to higher milk and meat output.
• Financial security: By stopping widespread outbreaks, farmers avoid big economic losses. For example, a farmer who vaccinates goats against PPR protects the herd from a costly outbreak.
• Doorstep care: Mobile Veterinary Units bring treatment and vaccination to the village through the toll-free number 1962.
• Affordable medicines: Pashu Aushadhi shops at PM-KSKs offer generic veterinary medicines at lower prices.
• Job creation: Expanded vaccination drives and veterinary services create more roles for local veterinary staff and support workers.

Eligibility

To get the benefit of Livestock Health and Disease Control, farmers should meet a few simple conditions. The scheme is open to genuine farmers and livestock owners across all states and union territories.

• The applicant should be a genuine farmer or livestock owner within India.
• Valid documents proving ownership of the livestock should be available.
• Animals should be managed for commercial purposes so the health programs have the most effect.

Application Process

There is no single online portal for this scheme because vaccination and veterinary services are delivered through state and local departments. Farmers should follow these steps to access the services.

STEP 1 - Reach out to the nearest veterinary dispensary or the state Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying office.

STEP 2 - Ask for the official application form for the specific health service or vaccination drive needed.

STEP 3 - Fill the form with accurate details about the farm and the animals.

STEP 4 - Attach copies of all required documents, including identity proof and livestock ownership records.

STEP 5 - Submit the completed file to the designated livestock official in the district.

Documents

When applying for support under Livestock Health and Disease Control, farmers should keep a few documents ready. These help the department verify the ownership and identity of the applicant.

• A duly filled application form.
• A clear copy of the Aadhaar card or a government-authorized identity proof.
• Valid livestock ownership records or certificates.

References

Official Livestock Health and Disease Control Program page

Official Operational Guidelines of LHDCP (PDF)

Pashu Aushadhi Component Guidelines (PDF)

FAQ's

What is Livestock Health and Disease Control?

Livestock Health and Disease Control is a centrally sponsored scheme that improves animal health, eradicates major livestock diseases and provides doorstep veterinary access to farmers across India.

What are the benefits I receive?

Farmers get protected livestock health, reduced risk of disease-related income loss, better herd productivity, doorstep veterinary care through mobile units and affordable generic medicines.

Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?

Any genuine farmer or livestock owner who keeps animals for commercial purposes and holds valid ownership documents is eligible.

Which activities are covered under this scheme?

The scheme covers vaccination programs, disease surveillance, veterinary infrastructure upgrades, early detection of infections, training for veterinary staff and affordable medicine supply.

How can I apply?

Visit the nearest veterinary office or state Department of Animal Husbandry, collect the application form and submit it along with identity and ownership proofs.

What documents are required for my application?

Submit a completed application form, an Aadhaar card and valid livestock ownership records.