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Gujarat Launches Intensive Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive for Livestock

The Government of Gujarat has launched an intensive statewide vaccination campaign to control the highly contagious Foot and Mouth Disease in livestock. The drive, part of the National Animal Disease Control Programme, uses digital tracking via the INAPH portal to monitor animal health and vaccination coverage. Veterinary officials emphasize that biannual vaccination is key to preventing outbreaks that cause fever, mouth ulcers, and reduced milk production. Local farmers and cooperative leaders have welcomed the initiative, which aims to protect cattle health and shield dairy farmers from significant financial losses.

Key Points: Gujarat FMD Vaccination Drive to Protect Livestock & Farmers

  • Statewide vaccination drive until April 15
  • Part of National Animal Disease Control Programme
  • Digital tracking via INAPH portal
  • Prevents financial losses for dairy farmers
  • Focus on cloven-hoofed animals
2 min read

Gujarat leads Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive

Gujarat's intensive FMD vaccination campaign aims to safeguard livestock health and prevent economic losses for farmers, running from March 1 to April 15.

"We understand the importance of this vaccination drive and fully support it so that our cattle remain healthy. - Jigarbhai Patel"

Gandhinagar, March 16

The Government of Gujarat has launched an intensive statewide vaccination campaign to control the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease, reinforcing its efforts to safeguard livestock health and protect farmers from potential economic losses. The drive, which began on March 1, will continue until April 15 and is being carried out under the National Animal Disease Control Programme.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The disease typically causes fever, mouth ulcers and excessive salivation, often leading to a sharp decline in milk production and overall animal productivity. For dairy farmers, such outbreaks can result in significant financial losses.

As part of the vaccination campaign, animals are being identified through ear-tagging and their details are being uploaded to the INAPH - Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health portal. The digital platform helps authorities track vaccination coverage, monitor animal health and ensure that livestock across the state are protected.

Bhavin Kumar, Veterinary Officer in Lodra, explained that regular vaccination plays a key role in preventing outbreaks. "In Foot and Mouth Disease, cows and buffaloes develop mouth ulcers, fever and excessive salivation, and milk production decreases. To prevent this, vaccination drives are conducted twice every year--once in March and again in September. This helps protect cattle owners from financial losses," he said.

Local cattle owners have welcomed the initiative. Jigarbhai Patel, a farmer from Lodra who owns 33 cows and two buffaloes, said government officials regularly visit the village to vaccinate livestock. "We understand the importance of this vaccination drive and fully support it so that our cattle remain healthy," he said.

Mahendrabhai Patel, Secretary of the Lodra Milk Cooperative Society, noted that the village has around 750 cattle and other livestock, with nearly 40 percent already vaccinated during the ongoing drive.

Officials say sustained, large-scale vaccination at regular intervals is essential to control the disease and move closer to its long-term eradication while protecting the livelihoods of dairy farmers across Gujarat.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is such a crucial initiative! My uncle is a dairy farmer in Kutch, and an FMD outbreak a few years ago was devastating for his family's income. Proactive, state-wide vaccination is the only way to prevent such losses. Kudos to the Gujarat government for the organized drive.
R
Rohit P
Good move, but execution is key. In my village, sometimes the veterinary teams don't come on the announced dates, causing confusion. Hope this digital tracking via INAPH ensures better coordination and 100% coverage. The economic security of our farmers depends on it.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to read about this. The use of ear-tagging and a digital health portal sounds very efficient. Protecting livestock health is fundamental to food security and rural economies everywhere. Hope other states learn from Gujarat's model.
A
Aman W
बहुत सही कदम! (Very right step!). Our cattle are like family members. When they fall sick, it hurts us emotionally and financially. Twice-a-year vaccination is essential. I just hope the vaccine quality is consistently high across all districts.
K
Kavya N
This is the kind of governance we need more of. Not just announcing schemes, but implementing them systematically with tech support. Healthy animals mean a stronger dairy sector, which is the backbone of rural Gujarat. Well done.

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