Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination month March and September

A special camp to administer vaccine to protect cattle from foot and mouth disease, a highly contagious viral disease affecting all cloven footed animals.

Blisters inside the mouth and on the feet of the cattle are symptoms of the disease.

The disease can be transmitted easily between animals under unhygienic surroundings, improper sanitation in the cattle shed, and through saliva of the affected animals. The virus is shed through secretions and excretions of infected animals, according to the release.

Virus can travel 250 KM over the water as reported in France 1981 and 10 KM over the land. 

The disease causes heavy economic loss owing to reduced milk production, infertility and drop in the value of skin and hides. It also brings down the working efficiency of the animals and results in high mortality in calves.

Points to be noted during vaccination

• Animals should be in good health at the time of vaccination.
• The cold chain of the vaccines wherever prescribed should be maintained till the time of administration to the animal.
• The manufacturers’ instruction on the route and dosage should be strictly followed.
• A minimum vaccination coverage of 80% of population is required for proper control of the disease.
• It is beneficial to deworm the animals 2-3 weeks before vaccination is carried out for better immune response.
• Vaccination should be carried out at least a month prior to the likely occurrence of the disease.
• Vaccination of animals in advanced pregnancy may be avoided even though in most cases nothing untoward may happen.

For further information, farmers can contact the nearest veterinary dispensary, veterinary hospital, polyclinic, Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Joint Director of Animal Husbandry.

All farmers are advised to vaccinate their cattle free of cost.