Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 29 September 2023
The 28th round of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination, marking the third phase of the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP), commenced on September 1, 2023, in South Andaman district. This crucial vaccination campaign aims to safeguard the region’s livestock population, with a particular focus on cattle and buffaloes, while simultaneously enhancing animal registration through the Pashudhan Portal.
Since the program’s initiation, a significant number of livestock have already received protection. As of the latest report, a total of 6,488 animals have been successfully vaccinated against FMD. Additionally, 2,352 cattle and buffaloes have been ear-tagged for efficient tracking and management. These efforts have benefited a total of 1,392 farmers in the South Andaman district.
The mass FMD vaccination program is scheduled to conclude on September 30, 2023, with the objective of achieving comprehensive coverage of the region’s livestock.
To ensure the program’s resounding success, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department has been actively deploying vaccination teams directly to farmers’ doorsteps. This strategy is designed to make the vaccination process as accessible and convenient as possible for livestock owners in the region.
Officials have emphasized the vital role of cooperation from both farmers and the general public in meeting the vaccination program’s goals. Cooperation with the team leader and members of the vaccination teams is crucial to the campaign’s success, as it plays a pivotal role in safeguarding livestock from the potentially devastating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
Farmers and livestock owners in South Andaman are urged to participate fully in this vaccination effort, which not only protects their animals but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of the region’s livestock population.
The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, along with the support of dedicated vaccination teams, remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of South Andaman’s valuable livestock, with the shared goal of eliminating the threat of FMD in the region.