Last checked against official sources on 13-10-2026. This is general guidance; for a sick animal, call a vet or 1962.
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) killed more than 1.8 lakh cattle in India in the 2022–23 outbreak. [S5] Vaccination is the main protection, and the government runs it through its livestock disease control programme. This guide explains how to get your cattle vaccinated and what to do if the disease reaches your village. For more on cattle care, visit our cow hub.
Who pays for the vaccine
The central government funds state LSD vaccination under its Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, through the “Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases” component, which lists lumpy skin disease. [S1] [S2] States run the vaccination through their animal husbandry departments. We didn’t find a central document stating that vaccination is free to farmers, so ask your local government veterinary hospital whether there’s any charge in your state.
Which vaccine is used
- Goat pox vaccine: the government has said the goat pox vaccine has been found effective against the LSD virus, and it’s the vaccine used to control LSD. [S3]
- Lumpi-ProVacInd: an indigenous LSD vaccine developed by ICAR’s National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, with IVRI, launched in August 2022. [S4]
Who should be vaccinated, and when
- Age: cattle and buffaloes aged 4 months and above. [S6]
- Not sick animals: affected animals should not be vaccinated. [S6]
- Every year: the government vaccinates annually for diseases like LSD. [S7]
- In an outbreak: ring vaccination of villages up to 5 km around the affected village. [S6]
How to get your cattle vaccinated
- Contact your nearest government veterinary hospital or dispensary and ask about LSD vaccination dates. [S6]
- Watch for vaccination camps announced by your district animal husbandry office.
- Call 1962, the toll-free number for Mobile Veterinary Units, which bring veterinary services to farmers’ doorsteps. [S1] See our 1962 helpline guide.
- Keep your animals’ ear tag numbers handy: vaccinations are recorded against them.
If LSD is in your area
The government’s LSD control advisory says: [S6]
- keep sick animals separately until they recover, not in the same shed
- control flies, mosquitoes and ticks with insecticides on the premises and the animals
- don’t move animals in or out of the affected area, and don’t take them to fairs or markets
- don’t mix milk from infected animals with healthy milk
- wear gloves and a mask when handling sick animals, and disinfect the shed
- report unusual sickness to the nearest veterinary hospital
A common sign is nodules (lumps) on the skin all over the body. [S8] If you see them, call a vet.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
LSD spreads through biting insects, so it moves fast once it arrives. Get every animal over 4 months vaccinated before the fly season, repeat every year, and keep the vaccination record with the animal’s ear tag number.
🐄 Our free Vaccination Tracker builds a cattle schedule and reminds you when LSD and other vaccines are due, and a Pet Passport keeps each animal’s records with its ear tag number.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a vaccine for lumpy skin disease in India?
Yes. The goat pox vaccine is used against LSD [S3], and an indigenous vaccine, Lumpi-ProVacInd, was launched in 2022. [S4]
At what age should cattle get the LSD vaccine?
From 4 months of age. Sick animals should not be vaccinated. [S6]
How often should cattle be vaccinated against LSD?
Every year. [S7]
Where can I get my cow vaccinated against LSD?
At your nearest government veterinary hospital or dispensary, at district vaccination camps, or by calling 1962 for a Mobile Veterinary Unit. [S1] [S6]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Operational Guidelines for the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (May 2025) – dahd.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S2] Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question 1056 (28-07-2023), DAHD reply – dahd.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S3] Lok Sabha Unstarred Question 872 (25-07-2023), DAHD reply – dahd.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S4] PIB, launch of Lumpi-ProVacInd (10-08-2022) – pib.gov.in – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S5] Lok Sabha Unstarred Question 2130 (14-03-2023), DAHD reply – dahd.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S6] Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Advisory for control of Lumpy Skin Disease (K-11053/69/2019-LH), hosted by the Meghalaya AH&V Department – megahvt.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S7] Lok Sabha Unstarred Question 2747 (05-08-2025), DAHD reply – eparlib.sansad.in (PDF) – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S8] Government of Meghalaya, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, LSD advisory and helpline – meghalaya.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 13-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any government body. This is not veterinary advice.