Gandhinagar, Gujarat is currently leading an intensive vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), running from March 1 to April 15. This statewide effort aims to protect cattle and other livestock, safeguarding farmers from significant economic losses. The initiative forms a crucial part of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), a broader government scheme to combat major animal diseases across India.[aninews]
Protecting Livestock from FMD
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. The disease causes fever, painful mouth ulcers, and excessive salivation. It can severely reduce milk production, growth rates, and fertility, also impacting the working capacity of bullocks.FMD outbreaks can lead to substantial financial losses for farmers and trade restrictions in international markets.India faces an estimated annual economic loss of around Rs. 24,000 crores due to FMD.[aninews+8]
The National Animal Disease Control Programme, launched in September 2019, aims to control FMD by 2025 and achieve its eventual eradication by 2030.This ambitious program received a total outlay of Rs. 13,343 crores for its initial five-year period from 2019 to 2024.The central government fully funds the program, covering vaccine procurement, vaccination fees, infrastructure development, and awareness campaigns.[dahd+10]
Gujarat's Leading Role in Vaccination
Gujarat has shown strong leadership in implementing the FMD vaccination drive. The state consistently covers approximately 5.2 crore (520.36 lakh) FMD vaccinations in each round of the program.This robust vaccination strategy involves two rounds of vaccination every year, typically conducted from September to October and again from March to April. Each vaccination round lasts for about 45 days.[up+1]
Under the program, animals receive ear-tags for identification. Their vaccination details are then uploaded to the Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH) portal.This digital tracking helps monitor vaccination coverage and overall animal health effectively. The consistent efforts in Gujarat have significantly reduced disease incidence. The state has recorded "very few FMD outbreaks" in recent years, with these outbreaks being mostly scattered and less severe.Only one FMD instance was reported in Gujarat during the 2022-23 period.[aninews+3]
Broader Impact and Future Goals
The control and eventual eradication of FMD promise substantial benefits for India's livestock sector and rural economy. It is expected to increase domestic milk production and boost exports of livestock products.Control of FMD could lead to at least a 5% annual increase in milk production.[dahd+4]
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, highlighted the importance of these efforts in August 2024. "The Livestock sector is an important sector contributing not only to the Indian economy but to the livelihood of farmers, particularly for the rural household and women who are the major force behind taking care of the livestock," he said.The government is also pushing for the creation of FMD-free zones in states like Gujarat where vaccination is advanced, to further support export opportunities.[pib+1]
The ongoing vaccination drive in Gujarat is a critical step towards achieving a healthier livestock population and strengthening the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The sustained efforts aim to make India free from Foot and Mouth Disease by 2030, securing a more prosperous future for the animal husbandry sector.[dahd+5]
