Parliament Question: Increasing incidence of cancer in animals

O.I.H GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1328 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11TH FEBRUARY. 2026 INCREASING INCIDENCE OF CANCER IN ANIMALS 1328 SHRI GOVINDBHAI LALJIBHAI DHOLAKIA: Will the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that like humans, animals also suffer from diseases such as cancer; (b) whether the incidences of cancer, particularly in dogs, have been increasing in recent times; (c) whether Government is aware of these facts; (d) if so, the action taken by Government to prevent this disease; and (e) the steps being taken by Government to reduce the cost of this treatment? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY & DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH) (a), (b) & (c) Yes, animals may also suffer from cancer contributed due to factors like age, genetics, environmental, physical, biological, diet, obesity etc. No increase of cancer incidence in dogs is reported to the department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. (d) & (e) The steps taken by the Government for prevention and control are outlined below: i. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) undertake projects on the diagnosis and medicinal and surgical management of cancer in animals focusing on the identification of cancer biomarkers in dogs, development of assays for early detection of canine mammary cancers, and the development of therapeutic interventions for cancer treatment in dogs. ii. The ‘Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTGs) has been developed for Livestock and Poultry’ for best practices in veterinary care to enhance livestock health and disease control while ensuring the responsible use of drugs including antimicrobials. iii. Under Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) scheme the financial assistance is provided to States/UTs for training and awareness on Good Animal Husbandry Practices, Biosecurity/Sanitary measures, vaccination against animal diseases, disease surveillance and monitoring and capacity building which supports disease prevention and control. iv. Under Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospital & Dispensary (ESVHD-MVU) of LHDCP, the recurring financial assistance is provided to States/UTs for ground operation of MVUs on sharing basis. Till now, total 4019 numbers of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) have been made operational in the Country in 29 States/UTs. v. Guidelines for minimum standards of Veterinary Infrastructure in India has been framed and communicated to States/UT with the request for adoption and necessary action *****