Livestock Minister Launches Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccination Campaign; 1.11 Crore Cattle to Be Vaccinated

Jaipur : Livestock, Dairy, and Devasthanam Minister Shri Zoraram Kumawat stated that, under the sensitive guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the capable leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the state government is wholeheartedly dedicated to animal welfare. Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the state-level Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) vaccination campaign at Pinjarapole Gaushala in Sanganer, Shri Kumawat emphasized that LSD is a fatal and contagious disease primarily affecting cattle and causing severe losses to livestock farmers. The state suffered from LSD two years ago, and now the government is actively working to prevent its recurrence.

Shri Kumawat outlined the government’s measures to control LSD, highlighting vaccination and awareness drives as key strategies. “Vaccination is the primary tool for controlling this disease,” he said. “Therefore, the state government has prioritized animal vaccination and is launching a two-month campaign starting today to curb the spread of LSD in time.” Additionally, the government is conducting awareness campaigns in rural areas to inform livestock farmers about LSD.

He recalled that last year’s two-month vaccination drive covered approximately 95% of the state’s cattle, successfully controlling the disease in a timely manner and minimizing livestock losses. “For 2025–26, the target is set to vaccinate 1,11,57,000 cattle,” he said, adding that the LSD vaccination must be completed before the monsoon to achieve herd immunity.

In a conversation with reporters, Shri Kumawat praised the department’s preparedness for surveying, diagnosing, and controlling the disease. He noted that guidelines had already been issued for micro-level vaccination planning at district and block levels. Based on each district’s micro-level work plan and the number of cattle in their jurisdiction, vaccination targets have been allocated to respective agencies.

At the event’s outset, Shri Kumawat performed a puja (ritual) for the cattle, offered them fodder, and inspected the Gaushala. He then presented the vaccination team with a vaccine carrier. Team members proceeded to vaccinate the cattle on the spot.

Also present were Dr. Anand Sejra, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department and Executive Officer of RLDB; Mr. Shivratna Chitlangia, General Secretary of Pinjarapole Gaushala; Minister Shri Vivek Laddha; Additional Director of Animal Husbandry Dr. Suresh Meena; Dr. Vikas Sharma; and other senior officials and Gaushala staff.