The state of Gujarat has emerged as a national leader in the vaccination campaign against Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral infection that affects cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and other livestock. The large-scale vaccination drive is being carried out under the nationwide livestock disease control program to protect animals and support the dairy and agriculture sectors.
According to officials, Gujarat has achieved one of the highest vaccination coverage rates in the country by successfully administering millions of vaccine doses to livestock across various districts. Veterinary teams and mobile health units have been actively visiting villages, dairy farms, and rural areas to ensure that animals receive the required vaccinations on time.
The campaign is part of the Government of India’s National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), which aims to control and eventually eradicate Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Brucellosis in livestock. The program focuses on regular vaccination, disease surveillance, and improved veterinary healthcare infrastructure.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease can cause fever, mouth sores, and lameness in animals, leading to a significant drop in milk production and productivity. This disease can severely impact farmers’ income and the overall dairy industry if not controlled effectively. By ensuring widespread vaccination, Gujarat has helped reduce the risk of outbreaks and improve livestock health.
Officials have credited the success of the drive to coordinated efforts between the state animal husbandry department, local veterinary staff, and dairy cooperatives. Awareness campaigns were also conducted among farmers to educate them about the importance of vaccination and early disease detection.
With its strong performance in the vaccination campaign, Gujarat is setting an example for other states in strengthening livestock health management and safeguarding the rural economy. 🐄💉