DIMAPUR — The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, in collaboration with the Nagaland Livestock Development Board (NLDB), on Wednesday launched the 4th round of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination mission at the NLDB headquarters in Kohima.
The vaccination mission was launched by Dr. Achila Ao, director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, in the presence of senior officials of the department, local farmers and veterinary professionals.
In her address, the director reiterated the state’s commitment to combating animal diseases that impact the livestock economy and rural households. She further emphasised the importance of such initiatives for improving animal health and productivity and highlighted the success of previous rounds of the vaccination drive.
In his keynote address, Dr. Khriekuolie Linyu, NLDB managing director, highlighted the overall roadmap of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for FMD, stated a DIPR report.
It mentioned that FMD vaccination drive aims to bolster livestock health across the state and eliminate foot and mouth disease, a contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs.
The nationwide campaign is part of the government’s broader vision to control FMD by 2025 and eradicate by 2030 and ensure healthier livestock productivity, contributing to rural livelihoods and the nation’s food security.
It stated that the previous three rounds of vaccination drive have resulted in a significant reduction in FMD cases across the state, with over 95% of livestock already covered under the programme.
The 4th round aims to achieve 100% vaccination coverage, ensuring protection for all susceptible animals in Nagaland. It stated that the department is committed to ensuring every livestock owner across the state has access to necessary veterinary support.
It informed that the FMD vaccination drive would continue across all districts of Nagaland over the next few weeks, with local veterinary teams actively administering vaccines and educating farmers on disease management practices.
Informing that the vaccination would be done on a scheduled manner, the administration, village authorities and farmers are requested to assist the department officials to avail maximum benefit during the vaccination mission.