As of June 2024, the Gujarat government has intensified its campaign against lumpy skin disease (LSD), a viral infection severely impacting cattle across 12 districts. Official data from the Gujarat Animal Husbandry Department reports 462 confirmed cases in affected areas including Surendranagar, Rajkot, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi, Amreli, Botad, Kutch, Surat, Navsari, Tapi, and Ahmedabad. Intensive veterinary interventions have led to recovery of 426 animals, with ongoing treatment for 28 cattle. The state has vaccinated over 2.3 million cattle to control the outbreak, focusing on high-risk zones.
What the Gujarat Animal Husbandry Policy on LSD Entails
The Gujarat government’s response is guided by the Animal Husbandry Department’s Viral Disease Control Protocol 2024, which integrates rapid diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination. The policy mandates immediate reporting of suspected cases via the toll-free number 1962 and deployment of mobile veterinary teams for on-site treatment. Vaccination drives use the goat pox-based vaccine, which the department procures and distributes free of cost to farmers.
The policy stipulates rigorous surveillance in 172 villages where outbreaks have been reported, with buffer vaccination zones established in adjacent healthy herds to prevent disease spread. The government has allocated ₹15 crore in the 2024-25 state budget to support this campaign, covering vaccine procurement, field operations, and farmer awareness programs.
Additionally, the government has issued a gazette notification (Gujarat Gazette No. 78, dated 10 May 2024) enforcing mandatory vaccination for all cattle owners in affected districts, requiring proof of vaccination for transportation or sale of cattle. Veterinary clinics in each district have been equipped with special cold storage facilities to maintain vaccine efficacy.
Who Is Affected and How the Disease Impacts Gujarat’s Livestock Sector
Lumpy skin disease primarily affects cattle, causing nodules on the skin, fever, and secondary infections that can weaken animals significantly. According to the Gujarat Livestock Census 2023, the affected districts collectively house approximately 7.5 million cattle, including both dairy and draught animals, underscoring the potential economic impact.
Farmers in districts like Surendranagar and Rajkot, where the outbreak intensity is highest, face losses due to decreased milk production, treatment costs, and in some cases, cattle mortality. The recent deaths in Gondal highlight the severity of the disease’s toll on livestock.
Beyond individual farmers, dairy cooperatives and milk processing units report disruptions in supply chains. The Animal Husbandry Department estimates a potential loss of ₹20 crore if the disease spreads unchecked, affecting rural livelihoods dependent on cattle farming.
Why the Gujarat Government Prioritized Immediate Intervention
The timing of the outbreak during the peak mosquito breeding season—monsoon months—significantly increases transmission risk, as mosquitoes act as vectors for the Capripoxvirus causing LSD. Recognizing this, Minister of Animal Husbandry Raghavji Patel announced enhanced vaccination and surveillance drives starting April 2024.
Gujarat’s strategic focus on early detection and mass vaccination aligns with national guidelines from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. The state’s proactive approach aims to curtail the disease before it spreads to more vulnerable regions such as Banaskantha, where a recent vaccination campaign immunized 1.05 million animals.
The government also seeks to minimize economic disruption ahead of the festive seasons when cattle trade increases. Rapid containment protects Gujarat’s position as a major dairy producer, contributing significantly to the national milk supply.
What Farmers and Veterinary Experts Say About the Government Efforts
Farmers in affected districts have welcomed the government’s vaccination drives and veterinary support, citing improved recovery rates among treated animals. However, some have raised concerns about vaccine availability in remote villages and delays in veterinary team visits during peak outbreak periods.
Dr. Anil Desai, Chief Veterinary Officer of Rajkot district, emphasized the importance of sustained vaccination and farmer education: “Continuous community engagement is crucial, as early reporting and isolation help prevent further infections.”
Nevertheless, occasional criticism arises regarding the need for more robust vector control measures alongside vaccination. Experts advocate for integrated pest management strategies to reduce mosquito populations, complementing current efforts.
What This Means for Gujarat Farmers and Animal Owners
Farmers in the 12 affected districts should prioritize vaccination of all cattle and adhere to guidelines issued by the Animal Husbandry Department. Immediate reporting of symptoms such as nodules, fever, and reduced milk output can facilitate timely veterinary intervention.
To protect livestock, follow these steps:
- Contact the toll-free number 1962 upon noticing symptoms in cattle.
- Ensure all cattle receive the government-provided LSD vaccine, available at local veterinary clinics.
- Maintain hygiene in cattle sheds and use mosquito repellents to reduce vector contact.
- Comply with government restrictions on cattle movement without vaccination proof.
- Regularly monitor cattle health and consult veterinary professionals for follow-up care.
Farmers can access vaccination schedules and support at district Animal Husbandry offices or through the official Gujarat Animal Husbandry Department portal: https://ahd.gujarat.gov.in.
By actively participating in these measures, Gujarat’s cattle farmers will help contain the lumpy skin disease outbreak, safeguarding their livelihoods and the state’s dairy economy.