Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 31: The animal husbandry department is set to launch a mass vaccination campaign from November 3 to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among cattle in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi.
Officials have set a target to vaccinate around four lac cattle across the two districts during the month-long campaign aimed at preventing outbreaks of FMD, a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals.
In Dakshina Kannada, special vaccination teams have been formed, comprising KMF artificial insemination workers, Maitri workers, Animal Husbandry Department staff, and Pashu Sakhis (veterinary assistants).
Each team will include a vaccinator and a helper, with 315 personnel assigned in Dakshina Kannada and 228 in Udupi to ensure full coverage.
An official said that though the district had reported FMD and lumpy skin disease cases last year, the situation is currently under control.
“FMD vaccination must be administered every six months. This round will also cover cattle that missed the earlier lumpy skin disease vaccination. It’s a precautionary measure to ensure disease-free livestock,” an animal husbandry department officer explained.
To assess the immunity levels of the vaccinated animals, blood samples will be collected from selected cattle both before vaccination and 28 days after. These samples will be sent for laboratory testing.
Current test results show immunity levels at around 60% in Dakshina Kannada and over 95% in Udupi. If an outbreak occurs despite vaccination, further testing known as the Diva ELISA test will be conducted to detect viral infection in the region.
The department noted that FMD prevalence in Dakshina Kannada has dropped from 40% a few years ago to just 8% now. Once the infection rate reaches zero, the district can officially be declared FMD-free.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly infectious viral illness affecting cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals. It causes fever, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, and excessive drooling, leading to loss of appetite, weakness, and reduced milk production.
Although no major outbreaks have been reported recently in either Dakshina Kannada or Udupi, the vaccination campaign is being undertaken as a preventive measure. The department carries out two vaccination rounds every year, and this round will begin on November 3.
Officials have urged all cattle owners to cooperate with veterinary teams to ensure total coverage and help Karnataka’s coastal districts move closer to achieving FMD-free status.