Andhra Pradesh Launches Extensive Free Vaccination Drive Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease
The Andhra Pradesh animal husbandry department has announced a comprehensive statewide free vaccination campaign targeting foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and buffaloes. This critical initiative, operating under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), is scheduled to run from March 16 to April 29, aiming to safeguard livestock health across the state.
Vaccination Coverage and Distribution Details
According to Dr. T Damodar Naidu, the director of animal husbandry, the vaccination drive will specifically cover:
- Cattle and buffaloes
- Calves aged above four months
To ensure maximum coverage and convenience for livestock owners, department staff will conduct door-to-door visits, administering vaccines free of cost directly at farmers' homes. Dr. Naidu revealed that a substantial 83.69 lakh vaccine doses have already been distributed to various districts to combat the spread of this highly contagious viral disease.
Two-Phase Implementation Strategy
The vaccination programme will be executed in two distinct phases to optimize effectiveness:
- Main Round (30 days): From March 16 to April 14, focusing on initial vaccination of eligible animals.
- Follow-up Phase (15 days): From April 15 to April 29, targeting remaining unvaccinated animals and administering necessary booster doses.
Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Vulnerable Populations
Foot-and-mouth disease poses severe threats to livestock, including:
- Significant reduction in milk production
- General weakening of animals
- Decreased working capacity of bulls and oxen
- Potential mortality in calves, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers
Dr. Naidu emphasized that animals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable, while cross-breed cattle show higher susceptibility compared to indigenous breeds.
Call for Farmer Cooperation
On the occasion of the campaign launch, Dr. Naidu made a fervent appeal to livestock farmers throughout Andhra Pradesh. He urged them to actively cooperate with department personnel during the vaccination drive and ensure that all eligible cattle and buffaloes receive vaccination to effectively protect their livestock from this debilitating disease.
