India Expands Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive to Protect Livestock

The Government of India has accelerated its nationwide Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme to protect cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs from one of the country’s most economically damaging livestock diseases. The campaign is being implemented under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) with the aim of reducing disease outbreaks, improving livestock productivity and strengthening India’s dairy sector.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease affects milk production, fertility and the overall health of animals. Veterinary experts say large-scale vaccination is essential to reduce economic losses and improve the quality of livestock across the country.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals.

Infected animals develop fever, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, difficulty in eating and walking, and a sharp decline in milk production. Although adult animals usually recover, the disease causes major production losses and can severely affect farmers’ incomes.

Young animals are particularly vulnerable and may suffer higher mortality if preventive measures are not followed.

Nationwide Vaccination Campaign

Under the National Animal Disease Control Programme, veterinary teams are conducting large-scale vaccination drives across villages to immunise susceptible animals.

Officials say regular vaccination creates herd immunity and significantly reduces the risk of disease outbreaks. Farmers are being encouraged to cooperate with veterinary staff and ensure that every eligible animal receives the prescribed vaccine.

Animal identification and digital record-keeping are also being strengthened to improve disease monitoring.

Healthy livestock produce more milk, reproduce efficiently and require fewer medical interventions.

Experts say preventing Foot-and-Mouth Disease can help farmers avoid production losses, reduce treatment costs and improve the overall profitability of dairy farming. Better disease control also strengthens India’s livestock sector by improving the quality of dairy and breeding animals.

Scientists believe sustained vaccination programmes are essential for achieving long-term disease control.

Supporting Livestock Growth

India has one of the world’s largest livestock populations, making disease prevention a national priority.

Veterinary experts recommend that farmers follow vaccination schedules, maintain clean animal sheds, isolate sick animals and immediately report suspected disease cases to local veterinary officers.

With continued vaccination, surveillance and farmer awareness, the government aims to reduce the impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease and improve livestock productivity. Stronger animal health systems will help protect dairy farmers’ livelihoods while supporting sustainable growth in India’s animal husbandry sector.