Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 20 June 2025
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has been conducting an intensive Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive across South Andaman since June 2, 2025. As of now, 5,506 cattle have been vaccinated, with the campaign aiming to cover a total of 9,000 cattle by the end of the month.
To minimize stress on the animals, the vaccinations are being administered during the cooler parts of the day. Eleven dedicated veterinary teams are carrying out the drive from various Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries, including VH Junglighat, VH Garacharma (Team I & II), VD Rangachang, VD Manglutan (Team I & II), VD Port Mout, VD Elephant Point, VH Wimberlygunj (Team I & II), and VD Polyclinic.
Despite persistent monsoon showers, the teams have managed to maintain a consistent pace, administering 300–400 vaccinations per day. This performance reflects the Department’s strong on-ground coordination and planning. The veterinary teams have been starting work early in the morning and are working closely with Panchayati Raj Institutions to mobilize livestock and reach remote households.
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals. While rarely fatal, it causes fever, painful sores in the mouth and feet, lameness, and can lead to a significant decline—up to 30%—in milk production. The economic impact is severe, with FMD-related losses across the country estimated at over ₹20,000 crore annually. In the Islands, where most dairy farmers are smallholders, the consequences of an outbreak can be devastating.
Vaccination remains the most effective tool in preventing the spread of the disease. The ongoing campaign also supports India’s national target of eradicating FMD by 2030. Each vaccinated animal is tagged, and its data is uploaded in real-time to the Bharat Pashudhan Portal, ensuring traceability and integration into a nationwide monitoring system.
The Department has appealed to all livestock owners, especially those with cattle and buffaloes, to cooperate with the visiting teams and ensure their animals are vaccinated during the ongoing round. Their cooperation is essential to protect the health and livelihood of the Island’s rural farming community.
