In a significant push to safeguard livestock health, the Kochi district has officially launched a large-scale, joint immunization campaign aimed at eradicating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle. This initiative is part of the central government's National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP).
Campaign Inauguration and Key Details
The drive was formally inaugurated at the SH Monastery Farm in Thevara by the District Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr. Sajikumar G.. The campaign, which involves the free administration of crucial vaccines, is set to run actively until January 23. A robust workforce of 170 specially trained squads, comprising livestock inspectors and attendants, has been mobilized across the district to execute this mission.
This round marks the seventh phase of FMD vaccination and the third phase of LSD vaccination in the region. Officials noted that the campaign was originally scheduled to commence in November but faced delays due to the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the subsequent election processes.
Scale, Monitoring, and Eligibility Criteria
The district authorities have set an ambitious target to vaccinate a total of 75,413 livestock, which includes cows, buffaloes, and bulls. Each vaccinated animal will have a special tag affixed to its ear for identification and tracking purposes.
Emphasizing the importance of the drive, Dr. Jijesh Kumar, the Chief Veterinary Officer, stated that preventive vaccination against such infectious diseases is typically administered to livestock every six months. Dr. Sajikumar added that all eligible livestock must receive the vaccination within the 30-day campaign window. He confirmed that the central agency would directly monitor the process, with additional oversight at the district, taluk, and block panchayat levels.
To ensure maximum coverage, various squads from the animal husbandry department will visit dairy farmers' homes to provide the vaccinations free of cost.
Specific Vaccination Guidelines
The campaign follows strict eligibility guidelines for each disease:
For Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): The vaccine is intended for cows, bulls, buffaloes, and oxen. Livestock over four months old are eligible for the preventive shot. Exclusions include calves under four months, animals in the last three months of pregnancy, and those already infected with the disease.
For Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD): This vaccination is only for cows and bulls. Healthy cows and bulls aged four months or older can receive the preventive vaccine. Pregnant cows are eligible at any stage of pregnancy. Animals infected with LSD, those under four months old, and those vaccinated as part of a ring vaccination within the last three months are excluded.
The district administration has stressed the importance of timely completion, urging that more than 85% of the vaccinations be completed within the specified time frame. This concerted effort aims to build a stronger health shield for the cattle population, which is vital for the local economy and farmers' livelihoods.
