Andhra Pradesh Launches Free Cattle Vaccination Drive

Andhra Pradesh's Animal Husbandry Department is commencing a free vaccination campaign against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) for cattle and buffaloes. This initiative operates under the National Animal Disease Control Programme and is scheduled from March 16 to April 29. Department staff will conduct home visits to administer vaccines free of charge to livestock owners.

The campaign is structured in two phases: a main round from March 16 to April 14, followed by a second phase from April 15 to April 29. This latter period will cover remaining animals and administer booster doses. The State government has provided 83.69 lakh vaccine doses for this crucial effort.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease, particularly affecting cross-bred animals and those with lower immunity. Vaccination is the primary preventive measure. The disease can cause significant economic losses through reduced milk production, weakness, and potentially death in calves. Symptoms include high fever, mouth blisters, salivation, and lameness due to blisters between hooves.