Tags:EnvironmentUPSC
For Prelims: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), FMD Serotypes, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Tabletop Exercise, Nodal Ministry, Theme, Organising Body, Key Institutions Involved
For Mains: Transboundary animal diseases, One Health approach, livestock economy, biosecurity, FMD-free compartmentalisation
Source:
PIB
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- VAJRA-SAT is a national tabletop exercise for FMD serotype SAT-1 preparedness.
- The exercise was held on 4-5 November 2026 in Bengaluru.
- It was organised by DAHD with ICAR-NIVEDI.
- The theme of the exercise was 'Detect Early, Confirm Fast, Contain Together'.
- FMD serotype SAT-1 has not been reported in India.
Why in the news?
India conducted a two-day national tabletop exercise 'VAJRA-SAT' to prepare for a potential outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT-1, which has not yet been reported in India but is spreading in West Asia. The exercise involved 83 participants from 25 states, three UTs, and key national institutions to strengthen surveillance, early detection, and coordinated response mechanisms.
Summary
- FMD serotype SAT-1 has not been reported in India; the exercise was a proactive preparedness initiative.
- The exercise was organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) in coordination with ICAR-NIVEDI, Bengaluru.
- 83 participants from 25 States, 3 Union Territories, and key national institutions took part.
Highlights
Proactive FMD Preparedness
India conducted a tabletop exercise for FMD serotype SAT-1, which has not been reported in India but is spreading in West Asia.
Multi-Agency Coordination
83 participants from 25 states, 3 UTs, ICAR institutes, veterinary labs, universities, vaccine makers, and defence agencies took part.
Focus on Early Detection & Containment
The exercise focused on surveillance, early detection, lab confirmation, animal movement control, emergency vaccination, and risk communication.
Background
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing severe economic losses to the livestock sector. FMD serotype SAT-1 is one of the seven serotypes and has historically been confined to Africa. Its recent geographical spread to parts of West Asia poses a transboundary threat to India, which has a large livestock population. India runs a national FMD control programme and has been working towards FMD-free status.
Key Analysis and Impact
The VAJRA-SAT exercise is a proactive, not reactive, measure. It simulates outbreak scenarios to test India's surveillance, diagnostic, and response infrastructure. The involvement of 25 states, 3 UTs, and multiple agencies (ICAR, veterinary universities, vaccine manufacturers, defence and border guarding forces) highlights the multi-sectoral approach needed for transboundary animal disease control. The separate technical meeting on FMD-free compartmentalisation of semen production centres and banks indicates a strategic focus on protecting genetic resources and enabling safe livestock trade, which is crucial for exports and domestic breeding programmes.
Way Forward
The recommendations from the exercise will feed into national preparedness and response strategies. Strengthening laboratory diagnostic capacity at regional FMD labs and RDDLs, enhancing inter-State coordination, and ensuring vaccine readiness are key next steps. The FMD-free compartmentalisation initiative for semen centres will support disease prevention and facilitate safer trade. Continued surveillance for SAT-1, especially at borders, will be critical.
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
- A highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs). It causes fever, blisters in the mouth and feet, and severe economic losses. It is caused by a virus of the genus Aphthovirus in the Picornaviridae family.
- FMD Serotypes
- There are seven serotypes of FMD virus: O, A, C, SAT-1, SAT-2, SAT-3, and Asia-1. Immunity to one serotype does not protect against others. SAT serotypes are historically found in sub-Saharan Africa.
- ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
- An autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (formerly), now under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education. It coordinates agricultural research and education in India. ICAR-NIVEDI and ICAR-NIFMD are its institutes.
- Tabletop Exercise
- A simulated emergency response exercise where participants discuss and evaluate their roles and plans in a classroom setting, without deploying resources. It is used to test decision-making, coordination, and communication.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: VAJRA-SAT exercise held on 4-5 November 2026 at Bengaluru
- Nodal Body: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
- Data: 83 participants from 25 States and 3 Union Territories
Don't make this mistake!
Examiners may confuse FMD serotype SAT-1 as a new disease reported in India, whereas the exercise was proactive as SAT-1 has NOT been reported in India. They may also ask about the theme 'Detect Early, Confirm Fast, Contain Together' as a new national slogan or scheme name.
Write these in mains answers
- Transboundary animal diseases, One Health approach, livestock economy, biosecurity, FMD-free compartmentalisation
Stuck? Get it in one tap
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a serious virus that affects cows, buffalo, and goats. India ran a practice drill called VAJRA-SAT to get ready for a type of FMD called SAT-1 that has not come to India yet but is spreading in nearby regions.
- VAJRA-SAT is a national tabletop exercise for FMD serotype SAT-1 preparedness.
- The exercise was held on 4-5 November 2026 in Bengaluru.
- It was organised by DAHD with ICAR-NIVEDI.
- The theme of the exercise was 'Detect Early, Confirm Fast, Contain Together'.
- FMD serotype SAT-1 has not been reported in India.
- Environment: Animal diseases and biosecurity
- Agriculture: Livestock management and disease control
Related concepts: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), FMD Serotypes, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Tabletop Exercise
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which ministry is primarily responsible for the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) that organised the VAJRA-SAT exercise?
Explanation: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) is a department under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare handles crops and food, not animal husbandry. Environment and Rural Development ministries are not directly involved in livestock health.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the VAJRA-SAT exercise:
- 1.It was a national tabletop exercise for FMD serotype SAT-1 preparedness.
- 2.FMD serotype SAT-1 has been recently reported in India.
- 3.The exercise involved participants from 25 States and 3 Union Territories.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: VAJRA-SAT was a tabletop exercise for FMD SAT-1 preparedness. Statement 2 is incorrect: FMD serotype SAT-1 has NOT been reported in India; the exercise was proactive. Statement 3 is correct: 83 participants from 25 States and 3 UTs took part.
- Q3Medium
How many participants took part in the VAJRA-SAT exercise?
Explanation: 83 participants from 25 States, three Union Territories and key national institutions took part.
- Q4Medium
What was the primary objective of the VAJRA-SAT exercise?
Explanation: The exercise was a proactive preparedness initiative since SAT-1 has not been reported in India. It was not a response to a current outbreak, nor was its objective vaccine export or creating a new vaccine. It focused on surveillance, detection, and coordination.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the VAJRA-SAT exercise?
VAJRA-SAT is a national tabletop exercise organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) to prepare for a potential outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease serotype SAT-1 in India.
2. When and where was the VAJRA-SAT exercise held?
The exercise was held on 4-5 November 2026 in Bengaluru.
3. Who organised the VAJRA-SAT exercise?
The exercise was organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) in coordination with ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI).
4. How many participants and states were involved in VAJRA-SAT?
83 participants from 25 States and 3 Union Territories took part in the exercise.
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- Original6 November 2026 · Read story
