Cattle vaccination schedule for Indian dairy farms
Which vaccine, at what age, how often. This is the calendar our veterinary advisors use with Pashu AI early-access farms in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It follows ICAR and state animal husbandry guidelines — confirm timings with your local veterinary officer, because outbreak zones change.
Vaccination calendar for cows and buffaloes
| Disease | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) | First dose at 4 months, booster after 1 month, then every 6 months | Free under NADCP in most states. Vaccinate the whole herd on the same day. |
| Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) | From 6 months; once a year, before monsoon (May–June) | Often given with BQ as a combined HS+BQ vaccine. |
| Black Quarter (BQ) | From 6 months; once a year, before monsoon | Most important for young animals 6–24 months in wet areas. |
| Brucellosis | Once, female calves 4–8 months old | Never vaccinate adults or pregnant animals. Free under NADCP. |
| Anthrax | Once a year, only in areas with past outbreaks | Ask your veterinary officer if your mandal is in an anthrax zone. |
| Theileriosis | Once, crossbred calves over 2 months | Mainly for Jersey/HF crosses in tick-heavy areas. |
| Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) | Once a year, from 4 months | Goat-pox vaccine is used; follow the state animal husbandry advisory. |
Deworming schedule
Worms quietly cost more milk than most diseases. Deworm on a calendar, not when the animal looks thin.
- Calves
First dose at 2–3 weeks, then every month until 6 months
- Growing animals 6–12 months
Every 3 months
- Adults
Twice a year — before and after monsoon. Rotate the drug each time.
- Pregnant animals
Only with a vet's advice; usually 2–3 weeks before calving
A simple yearly plan
- January–FebruaryFMD round 1 (if your state runs it now). Deworm adults.
- April–MayHS + BQ before monsoon. Deworm growing animals. Brucellosis for female calves 4–8 months.
- July–AugustFMD round 2. Check ticks; theileriosis vaccine for crossbred calves.
- October–NovemberDeworm adults after monsoon. LSD if advised. Update every animal's card.
Questions farmers ask
- How often should I vaccinate cows for FMD?
- Every six months after the first two doses. Most states run free FMD rounds under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) — your local veterinary assistant will announce the dates.
- Can I vaccinate a pregnant cow?
- FMD, HS and BQ vaccines are generally safe in pregnancy, but avoid the last month. Brucellosis vaccine must never be given to pregnant or adult animals. Ask your vet before any vaccine in late pregnancy.
- What is the gap between deworming and vaccination?
- Deworm 7–10 days before a vaccine so the animal's immune system responds well. Don't do both on the same day.
- How do I remember all these dates?
- Keep a card per animal with tag number, date of birth, and each vaccine date. Or use an app like Pashu AI, which sends the next due date on WhatsApp.
Never miss a due date
Pashu AI keeps this schedule for every animal on your farm and sends the next vaccine or deworming date to your WhatsApp. Free during early access.
Join early accessSources: ICAR–IVRI vaccination guidelines; Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, NADCP programme notes; Andhra Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department advisories. This guide is general information, not a substitute for advice from a registered veterinarian.