National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

Key Highlights:

• The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) was launched in 2019 to control and eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis.
• The program has administered 147.16 crore FMD vaccine doses, benefiting 8.04 crore farmers.
• FMD outbreaks declined from 132 in 2019 to 40 by 2025, and Brucellosis outbreaks fell from 22 to 15 in the same period.
• The NADCP is now integrated into the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), with a ₹2,010 crore outlay for FY 2026-27.
• Over 39.00 crore livestock have been registered on the Bharat Pashudhan Portal, and 4,019 Mobile Veterinary Units provide doorstep services.
• India launched a US$25 million Pandemic Fund Project in 2024 to strengthen animal health security for pandemic preparedness.

Detailed Insights:

• Livestock is a significant source of livelihood in India, with a total population of 535.78 million as per the 20th Livestock Census 2019.
• FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing economic losses and limiting market access.
• Brucellosis is a bacterial reproductive disease in bovines, disrupting fertility and lactation, with vaccination being the most effective control.
• The NADCP aims for biannual mass FMD vaccination and a one-time Brucellosis vaccination for 4-8 month old female bovine calves.
• Key components include ear-tagging, data upload to Bharat Pashudhan Portal, sero-surveillance, and outbreak investigation.
• Average bovine productivity increased by 36.63% from 2014-15 to 2024-25, and milk production rose by 69.4% in the same decade.
• The Pandemic Fund Project enhances disease surveillance, upgrades laboratory infrastructure, and promotes cross-border collaboration.
• Two important documents, Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG) and Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases, were released to guide responses.
• The One Health approach, recognizing the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, is central to the program's strategy.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): A flagship Indian initiative launched in 2019 to control and eradicate FMD and Brucellosis through nationwide vaccination and surveillance.
• Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): A highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing significant economic losses in livestock.
• Brucellosis: A bacterial reproductive disease in cattle and buffaloes, leading to infertility, reduced milk yield, and potential zoonotic transmission.
• One Health: An integrated, unifying approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.