Thu Dec 25 15:10:48 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Virudhunagar district in India will conduct its 8th round of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive from December 29th to January 18th. The initiative, under the National Animal Disease Control Programme, aims to protect approximately 145,000 cows and buffaloes from the viral infection. FMD, despite low mortality, causes significant economic losses due to reduced milk yield, work efficiency, and infertility. The vaccination will be administered free of charge by 58 teams across the district. Farmers are urged to participate to safeguard their livestock.
News Article:
Virudhunagar Gears Up for Mass Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive
Virudhunagar, India – December 25, 2025: The Virudhunagar district is set to launch its 8th round of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccinations, a crucial initiative aimed at safeguarding the region’s cattle population and protecting farmers from economic hardship. The vaccination drive will run from December 29th to January 18th.
District Collector N.O. Sughaputra announced the 21-day campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Animal Husbandry. The drive is under the National Animal Disease Control Programme. It focuses on vaccinating approximately 145,000 cows and buffaloes throughout the district.
FMD, a viral infection, poses a significant threat to the region’s agricultural economy. While mortality rates are relatively low, the disease drastically reduces milk production, hinders the work efficiency of bulls, and can cause infertility in milch animals. Young calves are especially vulnerable to death.
“FMD primarily affects hybrid cattle and cause economic and production loss to farmers” said District Collector N.O. Sughaputra in a statement.
The disease spreads rapidly during the winter months, exacerbated by unhygienic practices, lack of vaccination, and failure to isolate infected animals. The virus can persist in cattle sheds for up to 15 days, spreading through air, urine, milk, saliva, and dung.
Key symptoms of FMD in cattle include fever, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, dripping saliva, and blisters on the mouth, tongue, hooves, and udder. Pregnant cows are also at risk of abortion.
To combat the disease’s spread, 58 dedicated teams, comprising veterinary doctors, inspectors, and assistants from 82 veterinary dispensaries and six hospitals, will administer the vaccinations free of charge. Vaccinations can be administered every six months to calves above four months old and cows that are not in an advanced state of pregnancy.
Authorities are working to alert farmers about the vaccination schedule in their respective villages. Farmers are strongly encouraged to participate in the vaccination drive to protect their livestock and livelihoods from the devastating effects of FMD.
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