Vaccination drive for cattle against foot-and-mouth disease gets under way in Mayiladuthurai

District Collector A.P. Mahabharathi inaugurated an foot-and-mouth disease vaccination camp at Cholampettai, Mayiladuthurai, on Friday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A vaccination camp for cattle to prevent foot-and-mouth disease was inaugurated by Mayiladuthurai District Collector A.P. Mahabharathi at Cholampettai panchayat in Mayiladuthurai taluk on Friday.

The camp, part of the sixth round of the National Animal Disease Control Programme, will run from January 3 to 31, offering free vaccinations across villages in the district.

Mr. Mahabharathi stressed on the importance of the campaign in controlling the highly contagious disease, which severely affects livestock such as cows, buffaloes, and goats. He urged farmers to ensure their cattle were vaccinated to avoid the devastating impact of the disease, including reduced milk production, weight loss, infertility, and economic losses.

Approximately one lakh animals in the district were expected to be vaccinated during this drive, with camps planned in all villages. The Animal Husbandry Department, led by Assistant Director K. Anbarasan, is overseeing the initiative. Livestock owners are encouraged to bring their animals to the camps and utilise the free vaccination service.