Goatpox Vaccination Drive Gains Momentum in Maharashtra

State Launches Mission-Mode Campaign to Prevent Lumpy Skin Disease

Nashik, June 2026 : The Maharashtra government has accelerated the production and distribution of Goatpox vaccines for 2026-27 to protect cattle from Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). In the first phase, 40 per cent of the total planned vaccine production—amounting to 3.752 million doses—has begun to be distributed systematically across the state.

Appealing for the rapid completion of the vaccination campaign on a war footing, Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Kiran Patil said that safeguarding the state’s livestock from Lumpy Skin Disease remains a top priority.

To ensure the effective implementation of the vaccination campaign, the Institute of Veterinary Biological Products (IVBP), Pune, has commenced the production of the required Goatpox vaccines. The distribution of vaccine doses is being carried out in a planned manner based on district-wise cattle population figures from the 21st Livestock Census.

Necessary instructions have been issued to all district Deputy Commissioners of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development for the successful execution of the campaign. Officials have been directed to ensure that there is no disruption in the cold chain management system during vaccine transportation and storage.

The department has also stressed that, upon receiving vaccine doses, districts should prioritize vaccinating high milk-yielding and highly productive cattle. To effectively monitor the campaign’s progress, a regular reporting system has been activated.

According to Dr. Yahyakhan Pathan, Joint Commissioner of Animal Husbandry at the Institute of Veterinary Biological Products, district-level officers have been instructed to submit consolidated daily reports on the vaccination campaign by 11 a.m. every day in the prescribed format.

Special Focus on Hotspot Talukas

Authorities have directed that vaccination drives be prioritized in talukas where a higher incidence of Lumpy Skin Disease was reported last year. These hotspot areas will receive special attention to prevent fresh outbreaks.

The Animal Husbandry Department has also appealed for active participation from cooperative milk unions, non-governmental organizations, private veterinarians and animal health workers to ensure the success of this extensive campaign.

Livestock Safety Remains Top Priority

The department emphasized that protecting cattle from contagious diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease is of paramount importance. Livestock forms a crucial pillar of the rural economy and serves as a vital source of livelihood for farmers.

Given the economic significance of cattle, Goatpox vaccination is considered the most effective preventive measure against Lumpy Skin Disease. The campaign is therefore being implemented extensively at the field level across Maharashtra.

Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Kiran Patil urged livestock owners to actively cooperate with the department and participate in the vaccination drive to ensure the health and safety of their animals.