Punjab launches statewide livestock deworming drive to boost animal health and milk production

Punjab Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian launched a statewide deworming drive on Tuesday, beginning in the Lambi constituency of Sri Muktsar Sahib district.

Khudian stated that the Punjab government has procured deworming medication for livestock at a cost of ₹7.78 crore, which will be distributed free of charge to farmers across the state.

He directed officials to complete the deworming drive within the week and shared that the Animal Husbandry Department has formed over 2,000 teams to deliver the medication directly to farmers. For those who miss the distribution, the medicine will be available free of cost at their nearest veterinary institute.

For the deworming of cows, buffaloes, and calves across Punjab, he said the dewormers are being distributed under the ASCAD scheme.

This is the second deworming campaign in the state, expected to positively impact milk production and thereby increase farmers' income. Last year’s campaign received strong support from livestock owners, many of whom requested its continuation this year.

Rahul Bhandari, Principal Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Dairy Development, has instructed department officials to ensure timely delivery of dewormers to every household with livestock. This effort aims to ensure all animals in the state are dewormed, contributing to higher milk yields and stronger animal immunity.

Dr. G.S. Bedi, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, noted that deworming animals prior to vaccination enhances their immunity and the effectiveness of vaccines. He urged all livestock owners to deworm their animals ahead of the upcoming foot-and-mouth disease vaccination campaign, scheduled to begin mid-month. Dewormers are available free of cost at all Civil Veterinary Hospitals and Civil Veterinary Dispensaries throughout Punjab.