India introduces updated rules for infectious and contagious animal-disease control
India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has notified the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Rules, 2026, replacing the corresponding 2010 rules governing vaccination certificates, post-mortem procedures and carcass disposal.
The notification, G.S.R. 958(E), was issued under Section 42 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009. It was published in the Official Gazette on 30 October 2026 and came into force on the date of publication.
The revised framework formalises procedures for reporting scheduled animal diseases, recording vaccination activity, issuing vaccination certificates and handling animal carcasses.
What changes under the 2026 rules?
One of the most significant features is the formalisation of reporting and documentation through the Bharat Pashudhan portal.
The rules establish a structured reporting process involving village-level officers, veterinarians and government authorities.
Key provisions include:
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Village officers reporting suspected scheduled-disease events to veterinarians using the prescribed reporting form.
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Veterinarians reporting to state and central authorities through the Bharat Pashudhan portal.
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Recording of vaccination administration by the designated authority.
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Prescribed vaccination certificates for animals and poultry.
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Standardised post-mortem examination and reporting procedures.
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Defined methods for disposal of animal carcasses.
Digital reporting and the Bharat Pashudhan portal
The use of the Bharat Pashudhan portal is an important element of the updated framework. Digital reporting can support more consistent documentation of disease events and vaccination activity. It can also improve the ability of authorities to review animal-health information across administrative levels.
For effective implementation, however, digital systems need reliable field-level data entry, trained personnel, connectivity and consistent reporting practices.
The real impact will depend on how effectively the rules are implemented across states and Union territories.
Vaccination certificates for animals and poultry
The rules prescribe separate vaccination certificate formats for animals and poultry. Formalised vaccination documentation can support verification of vaccination status and improve record-keeping for livestock and poultry populations.
For commercial producers, organised vaccination records can become increasingly important for farm audits, disease-control programmes and veterinary compliance.
For vaccine manufacturers and distributors, the framework reinforces the importance of product traceability, accurate administration records and coordination with authorised veterinary personnel.
Post-mortem and carcass-disposal requirements
The rules also address post-mortem examination and carcass disposal. Prescribed methods include burial, incineration and rendering, subject to the relevant conditions and procedures.
The framework specifies reporting requirements for post-mortem examinations, generally requiring reporting within 12 hours, with a specific exception for suspected anthrax.
Proper carcass disposal is a critical component of infectious-disease control because improperly discarded carcasses can expose other animals, contaminate the environment and contribute to disease transmission.
Implications for India’s animal-health industry
The revised rules have implications across the livestock and veterinary ecosystem.
1. Veterinary pharmaceutical companies
Vaccination documentation and reporting requirements may increase the importance of accurate product records, authorised administration and collaboration with veterinary services.
2. Diagnostic laboratories
Formalised disease reporting can support demand for reliable laboratory confirmation and timely communication of test results.
3. Poultry integrators and livestock companies
Commercial farms should review their disease-reporting, vaccination and carcass-management procedures to ensure alignment with applicable requirements.
4. Digital animal-health platforms
The emphasis on the Bharat Pashudhan portal highlights the growing importance of digital animal identification, disease reporting and vaccination records.
5. Veterinary service providers
Field veterinarians and animal-health workers will be central to implementing the reporting and documentation processes.
What should livestock businesses do now?
Businesses should review their existing operating procedures and identify any changes required under the new rules. Practical priorities include:
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Reviewing disease-reporting escalation procedures.
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Ensuring vaccination records are complete and accessible.
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Checking that prescribed certificates are issued by the appropriate personnel.
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Reviewing post-mortem documentation.
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Updating carcass-disposal protocols.
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Training farm personnel and veterinary teams.
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Confirming portal-related reporting responsibilities with the relevant state authorities.
