April 21, 2021
The summers are worrisome weather for the cattles as in amid of rising temperatures, cattles are prone to get infected with the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). This is causing Indian dairy farmers to worry about the animals that are yet to be inoculated against the deadly foot-and-mouth disease.
The said highly contagious viral disease resurfaces during summers having fatal consequences on cattles. Though the Department of Animal Husbandry is all set to start the annual vaccination program, they are yet to receive vaccine stocks to go forth with their mission.
Radhakrishnan of Veerapandi, Karnataka, having around 22 cows said that his cows have not been vaccinated in the last couple of years. “The animals are usually vaccinated during February and March. Though the department launched the drive last year, it was stopped mid-way and my farm missed out on the vaccine. This year also, there is no information if the vaccination drive will take place,” Radhakrishna informed.
Devaraj of Madhampalayam, owner of 60 cows, said all the animals were vaccinated last year. “This year, I bought the medicine and administered it with the help of my veterinarian as I saw no signs of the vaccination program starting. With such a large farm, I couldn’t take the risk.”
The FMD also affects other animals like goats, sheep, and swine. “Infected animals develop sores on their tongue and legs, stop taking food and water and become dehydrated,” said Radhakrishnan, who had a couple of his cows infected four years ago.
According to animal husbandry department officials, “The government is yet to provide the medication and give a ‘go-ahead signal’ to start the vaccination program this year. We had submitted an action plan, but think the Covid-19 situation is delaying it,” said a director of the animal husbandry department.
“We have 98 dispensaries to vaccinate 2.36 lakh cattle in the district. We can finish the program in one month — 21 days intense vaccination and nine days to mop up remaining farms and animals,” he added.