The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) on October 29, 2026, has notified the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Rules, 2026 under Section 42 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, superseding the 2010 Rules. The Rules prescribe procedures for reporting outbreaks of scheduled diseases through the Bharat Pashudhan portal, reporting vaccination details and issuing vaccination certificates for animals and poultry through authorised veterinarians.
The Rules also specify procedures for the disposal of carcasses of animals infected or suspected of being infected with scheduled diseases through burial, incineration or rendering, along with prescribed safety distances, hygiene and record-maintenance requirements. Veterinarians are required to follow specified procedures for post-mortem examinations, collect samples for laboratory testing, disinfect examination premises and submit post-mortem reports through the Bharat Pashudhan portal within 12 hours. Post-mortem examinations are prohibited where anthrax is suspected.
Further, the Rules establish procedures for filing complaints, adjudication of contraventions, imposition and recovery of penalties, and appeals against adjudicating officers' orders. Adjudication and appeal proceedings should ordinarily be disposed of within six months. Penalty amounts will be utilised through State Boards for animal health management, disease prevention and control, training, and strengthening or establishing check posts and quarantine camps. The Rules shall come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 958(E)]
