Andhra Pradesh to Launch Statewide Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccination Drive
Table of Contents
Relevance: GS Paper III – Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (Livestock health, disease control, rural livelihoods, veterinary public health)
For Prelims:
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), Livestock vaccination, Animal Husbandry Department, FMD symptoms, booster vaccination.
For Mains:
- Livestock disease management, veterinary healthcare systems, rural economy and dairy sector, preventive animal health measures.
Why in News?
The Andhra Pradesh government will launch a statewide vaccination campaign against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) for cattle and buffaloes starting 16 March 2026 under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP).
The vaccination drive will continue until 29 April 2026.
About the FMD Vaccination Drive in Andhra Pradesh
The programme aims to protect livestock and prevent economic losses for farmers.
Key Features
- Vaccination for all cattle and buffaloes.
- Includes calves aged above four months.
- Vaccines will be administered free of cost.
- Door-to-door vaccination campaign conducted by the Animal Husbandry Department.
Vaccine Distribution
- 83,69,700 vaccine doses have been supplied to districts across Andhra Pradesh.
Two Phases of Implementation
| Phase | Duration |
| Phase I | March 16 – April 14 |
| Phase II (follow-up) | April 15 – April 29 |
The second phase will ensure coverage of remaining animals and provide booster doses.
About Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock, especially cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs.
Key Characteristics
- Caused by Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV).
- Spreads rapidly among livestock populations.
- Particularly dangerous for young animals and low-immunity livestock.
Cross-bred cattle are more susceptible to infection than indigenous breeds.
Symptoms and Transmission
Symptoms of FMD
- High fever
- Blisters in the mouth and between hooves
- Swelling of the udder
- Excessive salivation
- Difficulty in walking
Transmission
The disease spreads through:
- Wounds in animals
- Contaminated fodder, feed and water
- Contact with infected dung and urine
- Consumption of infected milk by calves
In severe cases:
- Calves may die.
- Pregnant animals may suffer abortions.
Impact on Livestock and Farmers
Foot-and-Mouth Disease can cause significant economic losses.
Major Impacts
- Sharp decline in milk production
- Reduced working capacity of animals
- Increased livestock mortality among calves
- Loss of income for dairy farmers and livestock owners
Thus, vaccination is essential to protect both animal health and rural livelihoods.
Significance of the Vaccination Programme
Protection of Livestock
- Vaccination helps prevent large-scale disease outbreaks among cattle and buffaloes.
Support to Farmers
- Protects farmers from economic losses due to livestock illness and reduced productivity.
Strengthening Dairy Sector
- Healthy livestock ensures stable milk production and food security.
Public Veterinary Health
- The programme strengthens disease surveillance and preventive veterinary care systems.
Conclusion
The statewide FMD vaccination drive in Andhra Pradesh represents an important preventive step toward protecting livestock health and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods. Effective vaccination coverage and farmer participation will be essential to control the spread of the disease and strengthen the livestock economy.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), consider the following statements:
- It is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock such as cattle and buffaloes.
- The disease spreads through contaminated fodder, water, and contact with infected animals.
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease primarily affects humans rather than animals.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: (b)
Explanation
Statement 1 – Correct: FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock such as cattle and buffaloes.
Statement 2 – Correct: The disease spreads through infected fodder, water, and contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.
Statement 3 – Incorrect: FMD primarily affects animals, not humans.
