Gujarat Launches Major Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive to Protect Livestock

The State Government of Gujarat has launched a statewide Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive to protect livestock and prevent the spread of the disease. This campaign was began on March 1 and it will continue until April 15 across the state. It is being implemented under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) which is the major initiative aimed at eliminating major animal diseases in India.

Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive in Gujarat

The Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive in Gujarat is part of the large scale effort to prevent the spread of highly contagious viral infection among livestock.

This vaccination campaign covers animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats and they are which particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Many Veterinary teams across the state are visiting villages and dairy farms to vaccinate animals and monitor their health.

Understanding Foot and Mouth Disease in Livestock

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a viral disease that mainly affects cloven hoofed animals, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats.

This infection spreads rapidly and can cause severe health problems for animals.

Several animals have infected with FMD often develop fever, mouth ulcers, excessive salivation and reduced appetite.

One of the most serious impacts of the disease is a significant decline in milk production and which directly affects dairy farmers and livestock owners.

Role of NADCP in Controlling Animal Diseases

The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a central government initiative.

This initiative is aimed at controlling and eventually eliminating diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis in livestock.

Under this program the large scale vaccination campaigns are conducted across different states.

Use of INAPH Portal for Livestock Monitoring

As part of the FMD vaccination drive in Gujarat state authorities are using digital technology to track livestock health.

Animals are identified through ear tagging and their details are uploaded to the INAPH – Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health portal.

The INAPH system helps officials monitor vaccination coverage and maintain records of livestock health.

Question

Q. The Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive in Gujarat is being conducted under which programme?

A. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
B. National Animal Disease Control Programme
C. National Dairy Development Programme
D. Livestock Health Mission