India:Punjab launches mass immunization drive against foot & mouth disease
Source: The DairyNews
The Punjab Animal Husbandry Department has taken proactive measures to prevent the occurrence of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) through a mass immunization drive for livestock. S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, the Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries, revealed that a substantial number of FMD vaccine doses, totaling 68,45,300, have been procured under the National Animal Disease Control Programme.
As part of the ongoing drive, 48,73,277 FMD vaccine doses have already been administered, covering approximately 75% of the livestock population. The minister has set a target to achieve 100% vaccination for the entire livestock population, estimated at around 65,03,505, by December 20, 2023.
Emphasizing the importance of this initiative, Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian highlighted that the vaccine is provided free of charge, with the Punjab Animal Husbandry Department's staff offering administration services directly at the doorstep of livestock and dairy farmers. The primary goal of the immunization campaign is to shield livestock from Foot & Mouth Disease, recognized globally as a significant threat to the livestock population.
Given the highly contagious nature of FMD and its substantial economic impact, particularly on milk production, the Cabinet Minister urged dairy farmers in the state to proactively engage with their nearest veterinary institutions for the timely vaccination of their livestock.
Emphasizing the importance of this initiative, Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian highlighted that the vaccine is provided free of charge, with the Punjab Animal Husbandry Department's staff offering administration services directly at the doorstep of livestock and dairy farmers. The primary goal of the immunization campaign is to shield livestock from Foot & Mouth Disease, recognized globally as a significant threat to the livestock population.
Given the highly contagious nature of FMD and its substantial economic impact, particularly on milk production, the Cabinet Minister urged dairy farmers in the state to proactively engage with their nearest veterinary institutions for the timely vaccination of their livestock.
