Rajasthan launches mega drive to vaccinate 2.32 crore cattle against FMD

The Rajasthan government has launched the seventh phase of its statewide vaccination campaign against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), aiming to immunise more than 2.32 crore cows and buffaloes across all districts. Animal Husbandry Minister Joraram Kumawat inaugurated the drive at a gaushala in Bagru near Jaipur, urging livestock owners to cooperate fully to protect their animals and livelihoods.

FMD is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs. It causes fever and painful blisters in the mouth, tongue, hooves, and udder, often leading to sharp declines in milk production, weight loss, and infertility . While adult animals usually survive, the disease inflicts severe economic losses on farmers due to reduced productivity and restrictions on livestock trade.

Officials said veterinary teams will conduct door-to-door vaccinations in rural areas to ensure maximum coverage within a fixed timeline. The campaign forms part of India’s nationwide effort under the National Animal Disease Control Programme to eliminate FMD by 2030 through repeated immunisation and surveillance.

Mass vaccination is essential because the virus spreads rapidly through direct contact, contaminated equipment, animal movement, and even air over short distances . Immunising entire herds helps build herd immunity , preventing outbreaks that could devastate rural economies dependent on dairy and draught animals.

Similar large-scale drives have been carried out in several states, including Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Nagaland, reflecting the national priority placed on livestock health.

Authorities say sustained vaccination, monitoring, and farmer participation are key to achieving disease-free status by 2030 and securing long-term gains in milk production, animal welfare, and rural incomes.