New Delhi, September 18, 2026: India has taken another step towards its goal of achieving freedom from Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) by 2030, with the conclusion of a three-day WOAH PVS–PPP Targeted Support Workshop on “FMD-Free Zone Development in India.”
Organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the workshop was held from September 15 to 17 at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), New Delhi.
The workshop brought together officials from DAHD and 12 State Animal Husbandry Departments, WOAH experts, CDDL/RDDLs, NDDB, ICAR research institutions, industry representatives, livestock value-chain stakeholders and technical specialists.
Focus on State-Level FMD Action Plans
The workshop focused on strengthening state-level strategies for establishing FMD-free zones and compartments in line with WOAH standards and requirements for official recognition.
During the inaugural session, Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and WOAH Delegate of India, highlighted the progress made by the country under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
According to the Department, more than 147.16 crore FMD vaccine doses have been administered so far, benefiting approximately 8.04 crore farmers. FMD outbreaks have declined from 132 in 2019 to 40 in 2025 and 20 up to August 2026. The Department also reported a decline in NSP antibody positivity to 8.1% in 2025.
Gangwar said India’s next phase of FMD control would focus on demonstrating and maintaining disease freedom in defined animal populations. He underlined the importance of cooperation between States, veterinary services, laboratories, industry and exporters.
WOAH Standards and International Experience
WOAH experts provided participants with an overview of the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway, the PVS–PPP approach and WOAH requirements for recognition of FMD-free zones.
The sessions also covered surveillance, post-vaccination monitoring, international experiences, including those from Brazil, and opportunities for public–private collaboration.
Practical group exercises involving public and private stakeholders from nine priority States formed a key part of the workshop.
Discussions examined challenges involving vaccination, surveillance, diagnostics, animal identification, traceability, producer organisations, livestock value chains, investment and financing.
PPP Approach Extends Across Animal-Health Value Chain
A major emphasis of the workshop was that public–private partnerships should go beyond financial contributions.
The proposed approach includes private-sector participation in vaccine supply and delivery, diagnostics, animal identification and traceability, producer organisations, dairy and livestock value chains, veterinary services and risk communication.
The objective is to strengthen ownership, accountability and long-term sustainability of FMD-free zone initiatives.
The Department also highlighted its guidelines for the creation of FMD-free compartments in India, developed following consultations with stakeholders. In addition, Minimum Standards of Veterinary Infrastructure were introduced in 2025, while States are being supported under the Support to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) framework to address infrastructure and system-readiness gaps.
Nine States Present Refined Action Plans
The final day of the workshop was dedicated to validating State-level action plans. Representatives of the nine priority States presented their proposed strategies, which were reviewed by WOAH experts and other specialists.
The plans incorporated interventions covering disease surveillance, vaccination, laboratory preparedness, animal traceability, biosecurity, movement control, veterinary infrastructure and PPP engagement.
The workshop also included discussions on the emerging threat posed by SAT serotypes of FMD, with emphasis on India’s preparedness to respond to exotic serotypes.
Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Naveena B. Maheswarappa appreciated the technical guidance provided by WOAH and the contributions of State Animal Husbandry Departments and other stakeholders.
She expressed confidence that the States would convert the workshop outcomes into evidence-based and time-bound action plans for developing FMD-free zones and compartments.
The three-day exercise has resulted in refined State Action Plans and identification of priority technical interventions and PPP opportunities. These efforts are expected to provide a structured pathway for the progressive development, maintenance and eventual recognition of FMD-free zones and compartments as India works towards its national FMD-free objective by 2030.
