New Delhi: Under the direction of Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the decision of FMD vaccination in pastoral sheep and goats has been extended nationwide, with vaccination already commencing in Ladakh. This effort is part of the government’s 100-day action plan. The vaccination of susceptible and pastoral flocks is closely monitored, as sheep and goats in many areas are also used as sentinel animals to establish the absence of the virus in the environment. Singh urged participants to take on the challenge of FMD-Free Bharat (Foot & Mouth Disease-Free India) and called on all stakeholders, including NGOs in the animal husbandry sector, to contribute to this goal. He also emphasised the critical role of information technology in the strict monitoring and supervision of animal vaccinations.
The minister reviewed the department’s measures to achieve the goal of FMD-Mukt Bharat by 2030 through vaccination on Saturday in New Delhi. Singh emphasised the importance of the livestock sector in the Indian economy and its critical role in supporting the livelihoods of farmers, especially rural households and women who primarily care for livestock. He noted that healthcare awareness, accessibility, and interest remain areas of concern, leading to significant losses in livelihoods. The meeting was also attended by Prof. SP Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Secretary of DAHD, Alka Upadhya.
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The meeting discussed an action plan for making India FMD-free by 2030. It was informed that assessments were made to create zones in the country, particularly in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra and Gujarat, based on sero-surveillance. These states, where vaccination is in an advanced stage, could be prioritised for declaring FMD-free zones, thus creating export opportunities.
The minister highlighted that animal diseases significantly hinder the growth of the livestock sector, with FMD alone causing estimated economic losses of around Rs. 24,000 crores annually. Controlling and eradicating this disease would lead to increased milk production, support millions of farmers’ livelihoods, boost their income, and enhance exports of milk and livestock products in line with international trade requirements.
The Government of India launched the flagship scheme National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for vaccination against FMD and Brucellosis in 2019. Under this programme, cattle and buffaloes receive biannual FMD vaccinations, and the initiative has now expanded to include sheep and goats. So far, 82 crore vaccinations have been administered across 21 states, with round-4 completed and round-5 already finished in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. To maintain the benefits of vaccination, coordinated efforts in animal movement tracking, disease surveillance, and biosecurity measures are essential, along with the establishment of FMD-free zones.
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Singh pledged support and guidance for the zoning initiative. Discussions focused on the prerequisites for achieving and maintaining FMD-free zones, highlighting the need for intensive micro-planning and a detailed roadmap for eradicating the disease by 2030 through vaccination. Ensuring a quality vaccine supply is crucial, and it was noted with pride that all animal vaccines have been developed by ICAR institutions and are produced domestically. India is now capable of exporting vaccines to selected Asian countries.
The department supports state governments technically and financially, including providing accessories, remuneration to vaccinators, awareness creation, and establishing cold chain infrastructure. Activities are scientifically monitored through sero-monitoring and sero-surveillance to ensure the efficacy and effectiveness of the FMD vaccination, which is the largest such drive in the world.
