Building a Sustainable Health Framework

India is making significant strides in establishing a robust Animal Health Ecosystem under the visionary One Health framework. Recently, the government emphasized a strategic shift from simple disease control to complete eradication. This focus primarily targets Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). Consequently, the nation is integrating advanced digital tools to ensure transparency in its health initiatives.

Digitizing the Animal Health Ecosystem

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) is spearheading a digital revolution. Specifically, platforms like the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) and Bharat Pashudhan have transformed vaccination delivery. These systems allow for real-time verification of health interventions. Furthermore, officials use the NDLM portal to map veterinary infrastructure. This mapping helps identify and bridge critical gaps in service delivery across various regions.

Technology also plays a vital role in regulatory streamlining. For instance, the integration with the NANDI-SUGAM portal has significantly reduced processing timelines for veterinary drugs and vaccines. Therefore, manufacturers can bring essential products to market faster than ever before. These process reforms reflect India's commitment to a technology-driven health strategy.

Success in Disease Eradication Programs

India’s nationwide vaccination efforts have yielded impressive results. Since 2020, authorities have administered over 133 crore vaccinations against Foot and Mouth Disease. As a result, disease prevalence and outbreaks have dropped significantly. Similarly, PPR outbreaks plummeted from 98 in 2019 to just 29 in 2025. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained, large-scale immunization campaigns.

Moreover, the government is strengthening laboratory infrastructure to support these goals. Disease diagnostic laboratories are receiving upgrades under the Pandemic Fund project. These facilities enhance surveillance and diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, the government is developing a national framework for animal feed regulation. This framework aims to address legislative gaps and ensure the quality of animal nutrition.

Enhancing Biosecurity and Export Potential

The Animal Health Ecosystem also focuses on biosecurity in the poultry sector. The committee emphasized expanding compartmentalisation compliant with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards. Such measures strengthen production systems and enhance India's export potential. Furthermore, the government is preparing for exotic threats like African Swine Fever.

To ensure readiness, authorities plan to conduct national mock drills on animal disease preparedness. These exercises help teams respond effectively to potential outbreaks. By combining digital oversight with rigorous field activities, India aims to create a secure environment for both animals and humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the NDLM portal in the context of animal health?

The National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) is a digital platform used to map veterinary infrastructure and track vaccination delivery. It ensures accountability and helps identify gaps in the healthcare system.

Q2: How much has PPR disease prevalence declined in India?

Due to sustained vaccination efforts, PPR outbreaks in India declined from 98 in 2019 to 29 in 2025, marking a significant success in disease control.

Q3: What is the purpose of the NANDI-SUGAM portal?

The NANDI-SUGAM portal facilitates the expedited approval of veterinary drugs and vaccines. It integrates regulatory processes to reduce processing timelines significantly.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. India building robust, technology-driven animal health ecosystem - ETHealthworld


2. Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India - Annual Progress Reports


3. World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) - India Country Updates on PPR and FMD Eradication