Animal Husbandry department kicks off sixth phase of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination campaign in Kerala
The sixth phase of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination campaign kicked off in Kerala on Friday (May 2, 2025), targeting eradication of the disease in the animal husbandry and dairy sector by 2030.
Vaccination squads will visit households for vaccinating cows and buffaloes free of charge. According to the Animal Husbandry department, 13.4 lakh cows and one lakh buffaloes will be vaccinated over the 18-day campaign period. The department has constituted 1870 squads for the purpose. Each squad consists of a vaccinator and a helper, the department said in a statement here on Friday.
The sixth phase is being conducted by the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development departments in close coordination with dairy cooperatives, local bodies and allied government machinery.
Launching the sixth phase at the District Veterinary Centre, Kozhikode, on Friday, Minister for Animal Husbandry J. Chinchurani said that the campaign will be completed in 18 days between May 2 and May 23. The government is aiming to eradicate FMD, which causes production loss in the dairy sector, by 2030, she said.
FMD vaccination is a key component of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP).
Kerala can claim the status of FMD-free region by ensuring 95% vaccination coverage over two consecutive years, according to the Animal Husbandry department.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
2 days ago
- India Gazette
APEDA, and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying organise roundtable on exports of livestock and value-added products
New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Exports facilitator APEDA and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) jointly organised a roundtable workshop on 'Exports of Livestock and their Value Added Products - Future Prospects and Way Forward' in the national capital on Friday. The workshop convened senior officials from the Central and State governments, industry stakeholders, policy experts, and scientists to deliberate on strengthening India's livestock export ecosystem through quality enhancement, disease prevention, market access initiatives, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)- free infrastructure, technological advancements, market intelligence, and global market alignment. The Secretary of DAHD, Alka Upadhyaya, chaired the roundtable workshop. Other dignitaries included Varsha Joshi, the Additional Secretary of DAHD, Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, the joint secretary of the Department of Commerce, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA. In her keynote address, Secretary, DAHD, Alka Upadhyaya noted, 'With sustained investment in disease control infrastructure, quality systems, exploring diplomatic channels for enhanced market access and exports and bio security measures, India can position itself as a global leader in livestock exports, especially in value-added segments and the industry must be more aspirational and aim for a 20 per cent increase in exports this fiscal.' She added, 'Industry must focus on the processing of livestock and further improve the quality of livestock products by having a star rating for plants and establishments to ensure globally competitive exports.' Delivering a special address, Additional Secretary, DAHD, Varsha Joshi shared updates on disease control efforts and highlighted the 'urgent need for constant resource supply, clean and hygienic conditions to ensure quality, saving male calf project, market intelligence and establishing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free zones in the country.' She mentioned that, 'Based on the progress and achievement of FMD programme the Department is working towards designating 9 states namely Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra and Gujarat as FMD free zones.' She also highlighted, 'the need for strengthening the supply chain of livestock exports by introducing traceability across the value chain and extending support to the industry under the Department's Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund(AHIDF).' Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Kesang Yangzom Sherpa, underlined the sector's strategic importance in diversifying India's agri-export basket and emphasised that animal product exports maintain a significant share of India's agricultural exports. She underscored the role of inter-ministerial coordination in unlocking new markets for exports of India's livestock products and the need to leverage India's free trade agreements to expand India's livestock exports. Chairman of APEDA, Abhishek Dev, emphasised 'India's growing role as a reliable exporter of hygienic, traceable and quality-assured livestock products.' He highlighted, 'In the last fiscal, the overall exports of animal products stood at USD 5,114.19 million registering a growth of 12.56 per cent.' He stated, 'There is a significant opportunity to increase the exports of animal products by gaining market access in new markets, developing new and innovative value-added and processed products for exports, and extolling the industry to maintain the highest quality and standards.' The workshop saw active participation of policymakers from the Central and State Government of India including Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries especially their Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) and State Animal Husbandry Departments, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as well as industry associations such as All India Meat and Livestock Exporters Association (AIMLEA), scientists, state veterinary doctors from ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and industry experts, amongst others. 50 leading livestock establishments and key livestock exporters, such as Allanasons, Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd., HMA Groups, Al Dua, Pure Foods Exports Pvt Ltd, Marhaba Frozen Food, Indagro Foods Pvt. Ltd., AOV Exports Pvt. Ltd., and others, attended the Roundtable Workshop. Technical Sessions and Expert Insights outlined India's performance in livestock exports, regulatory reforms and export market dynamics. This was followed by an open house discussion among several stakeholders in attendance, during which they shared their feedback, concerns, and actionable strategies. The workshop laid the groundwork for a coordinated, future-ready approach to making India a leading player in global markets for exports of livestock and its Value Added Products (VAP). The Roundtable Workshop on 'Exports of Livestock and their Value Added Products - Future Prospects and Way Forward' reinforces the Government of India's commitment to facilitating a robust, compliant and globally competitive livestock export sector. (ANI)
Hans India
6 days ago
- Hans India
African swine fever outbreak in Bagalkot amid Covid-19 concerns
Bagalkot: Amid ongoing public health concerns around COVID-19, a new worry has surfaced in Karnataka's Bagalkot district with the detection of African Swine Fever (ASF). The outbreak has raised alarm among residents, though the Animal Husbandry Department has assured that precautionary measures are underway to contain the spread. The infection was detected at a pig-rearing centre in Gorabal village of Ilkal taluk. Authorities suspect that the virus may have entered the region through the import of pigs from other states. On May 22, officials from the Animal Husbandry Department had sent blood samples of pigs to a laboratory in Bhopal, which later confirmed the presence of African Swine Fever. According to Shivananad Karadigudda, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, three rapid response teams have been deployed to manage the outbreak. A containment zone has been declared within a 1 km radius of the affected site, while a surveillance zone has been established in the 1–10 km area. Infected pigs are being culled and disposed of in accordance with biosecurity measures. Ilkal taluk is a major hub for pig transport, with animals regularly sent to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka's Kodagu district. This means the risk of transmission extends beyond Bagalkot. The Union Government has already alerted various states including Kerala about ASF outbreaks and recommended containment protocols. Officials reassured the public that there is no cause for panic. 'All necessary measures have been initiated and the situation is under control,' said Karadigudda.
NDTV
01-06-2025
- NDTV
This Is India's Only State With Zero COVID-19 Cases Amid Nationwide Surge
As several Indian states witness a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, Sikkim has emerged as the only state in the country with zero active cases, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. India's active COVID-19 caseload rose to 3,395 on Saturday, marking a dramatic spike of over 1,200% from just 257 cases reported on May 22. In the last 24 hours alone, the country logged 685 new cases and four deaths. Despite this surge-driven largely by states like Kerala (1,336 active cases), Maharashtra (467), and Delhi (375), Sikkim has not reported a single active infection, setting it apart in a nationwide rise. Other states with growing case counts include Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117). Even smaller regions like Puducherry (41) and Haryana (26) are seeing a noticeable uptick. In contrast, Sikkim's ability to remain COVID-free in the current wave is being seen as a significant public health achievement. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has flagged two new subvariants- LF. 7 and NB.1.8.1-as "Variants Under Monitoring." While they have been linked to a rise in cases in some countries, the UN health body has stated that there is no evidence yet of increased severity, and current vaccines remain effective against symptomatic and severe disease. India has reported 26 COVID-related deaths in 2025 so far, as health officials continue to monitor evolving variants and case trends.
