AP launches free FMD vaccination campaign for cattle, buffaloes

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh animal husbandry department will conduct a statewide free vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) for cattle and buffaloes under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) from March 16 to April 29.According to animal husbandry director Dr T Damodar Naidu, the vaccination drive will cover cattle, buffaloes and calves aged above four months. As part of the campaign, department staff will visit livestock owners' homes and administer the vaccines free of cost to ensure maximum coverage across the state.According to Naidu, a total of 83.69 lakh vaccine doses were distributed to various districts to control the spread of the highly contagious viral disease, which severely affects cattle and buffaloes. Animals with weak immunity are more vulnerable to the disease, while cross-breed cattle are more susceptible compared to indigenous breeds.He further said that the vaccination programme will be conducted in two phases. The main round will be carried out for 30 days from March 16 to April 14, followed by a 15-day phase from April 15 to April 29 to vaccinate the remaining animals and administer booster doses.Foot-and-mouth disease can cause a significant drop in milk production, weaken animals and reduce the working capacity of bulls and oxen. In severe cases, calves may die, leading to heavy economic losses for livestock farmers.On the occasion, Naidu urged livestock farmers across the state to cooperate with the department staff during the vaccination drive and ensure that all eligible cattle and buffaloes are vaccinated to protect their livestock from the disease.