The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) stands as a monumental initiative by the Government of India, targeting the eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis among livestock. Launched in September 2019, this ambitious scheme underscores India’s commitment to bolstering animal health, enhancing livestock productivity, and elevating the livelihoods of farmers nationwide.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about this impactful programme.
What is NADCP?
Launched in September 2019, NADCP is a fully Centrally Sponsored Scheme aiming to:
- Control FMD by 2025 and eradicate it by 2030
- Effectively manage and control Brucellosis
- Boost milk and meat productivity
- Improve farmer incomes
- Ensure disease-free trade in livestock products
Why These Diseases Matter
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
A highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs. It causes:
- High fever, mouth ulcers, lameness
- Drop in milk production
- Infertility and economic losses
- Trade bans on livestock exports
Brucellosis
A bacterial disease in cattle and buffaloes causing:
- Abortions, infertility, milk loss
- Zoonotic transmission (infects humans too)
- Flu-like symptoms in humans, especially farm workers
Programme Objectives
The NADCP aims to control FMD by 2025 through systematic vaccination and strives for its complete eradication by 2030. For Brucellosis, the programme focuses on intensive control measures to manage and reduce its prevalence effectively.
Key Activities Under NADCP
- Mass Vaccination: Implementing biannual vaccination drives targeting all susceptible livestock, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs for FMD. For Brucellosis, a once-in-a-lifetime vaccination is administered to female bovine calves aged 4–8 months.
- Deworming: Conducting deworming procedures one month prior to vaccination to enhance vaccine efficacy.
- Animal Identification and Registration: Utilizing ear-tagging methods to identify animals, with data meticulously recorded in the Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH) system.
- Awareness Campaigns: Launching extensive publicity and mass awareness initiatives at national, state, block, and village levels to educate stakeholders about the programme’s benefits and procedures.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Conducting serosurveillance and seromonitoring to assess the immune status of the livestock population and evaluate the programme’s impact.
Benefits of NADCP
- Free vaccination against FMD and Brucellosis
- Free ear tags and animal health cards
- Better animal productivity and health
- Prevent economic loss from disease outbreaks
- Improve human health (in case of Brucellosis)
- Access to international markets for livestock products
- Central government pays 100% of the cost—farmers pay nothing!
Eligibility and Application Process
The NADCP is a centrally funded scheme with 100% financial assistance provided by the Central Government to States and Union Territories. State Animal Husbandry Departments are responsible for the on-ground implementation.
Livestock owners are encouraged to participate by ensuring their animals are available during vaccination drives. For detailed information and to avail of the programme’s benefits, livestock owners should contact their local veterinary centers or the State Animal Husbandry Department.
How to Apply or Claim Benefits under NADCP
Good news—you don’t need to fill any forms or apply online as an individual farmer!
Here’s how you can take part:
1. Stay in Touch with Your Local Veterinary Officer
- Visit your nearest government veterinary hospital or Animal Husbandry office.
- They’ll guide you on vaccination schedules in your area.
2. Look Out for Local Vaccination Drives
- State governments organize vaccination camps every 6 months for FMD.
- Brucellosis vaccination is a one-time process for eligible calves.
- These drives are often announced via panchayats, local radio, posters, or village meetings.
3. Get Your Animal Ear-Tagged
- Vaccinated animals are tagged and entered into the INAPH (Information Network for Animal Productivity & Health) database.
- You’ll receive a Vaccination Certificate (Animal Health Card) with all details.
4. Call Centre Support
- If you have any issues, you can call the helpline set up by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- They will check vaccination status using your animal’s ear-tag UID.
5. What You Need to Provide
- Aadhar number and mobile number
- Basic animal details like age, species, and breed
No online registration or fee is required. All services under NADCP are free for livestock owners.
Conclusion
The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a transformative step towards securing the health of India’s livestock, enhancing agricultural productivity, and improving the livelihoods of farmers. By participating in this initiative, you contribute to building a healthier, disease-free, and more productive livestock sector in India.
So next time your village veterinary officer comes calling—roll up your sleeves and bring your animals forward!
Talk to your nearest veterinary centre or visit dahd.gov.in for more information.
FAQs
1. What is NADCP?
NADCP stands for National Animal Disease Control Programme, launched by the Government of India to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and control Brucellosis in livestock through mass vaccination, tagging, and health monitoring.
2. Is the vaccination free for farmers?
Yes, 100% free. The Central Government funds all vaccination costs, logistics, and manpower. Farmers do not need to pay anything.
3. Which animals are covered under NADCP?
- For FMD: Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs
- For Brucellosis: Only female calves (4–8 months) of cattle and buffaloes
4. How often are the vaccinations given?
- FMD: Every 6 months (bi-annually)
- Brucellosis: One-time vaccination for female calves between 4–8 months of age
5. How do I enroll my animals for NADCP?
You don’t need to apply online. Just contact your local veterinary officer or stay updated on upcoming vaccination drives in your village.
6. Will my animals get a certificate?
Yes! Every vaccinated animal receives an Animal Health Card and an ear tag with a unique ID, which also helps in disease tracking and livestock data collection.
7. Can Brucellosis affect humans?
Yes, Brucellosis is zoonotic – it can spread from animals to humans, especially those in close contact with livestock. That’s why this vaccination is crucial for public health too.
8. Who implements the NADCP scheme?
The scheme is implemented by:
- State Animal Husbandry Departments
- Local Veterinary Centers
- Supported and funded by the Central Government
9. What is INAPH?
INAPH (Information Network for Animal Productivity & Health) is a central digital platform where animal details (vaccination, tagging, health history) are recorded and monitored.