A large-scale vaccination campaign against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) for cattle has commenced in the Vellore and Ranipet districts of Tamil Nadu. The initiative, organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry, was formally inaugurated on Wednesday by Vellore District Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi.
The campaign, which will run for three weeks until July 22, aims to vaccinate around 1.85 lakh cattle across the region. Officials confirmed that the vaccination is being provided free of cost to farmers and livestock owners.
The FMD vaccination drive will include milch cows, buffaloes, bulls, goats, sheep, and pigs. These animals are considered vulnerable to FMD, a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, blisters, and lameness, leading to severe productivity losses in the dairy and meat industries.
“This preventive measure is part of the government's regular health management strategy. Vaccinations are typically conducted in September and February, but this cycle was advanced due to the timely availability of doses,” said Dr. G. Anbuvan, Assistant Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Vellore.
FMD can cause high mortality in young animals and significant economic losses due to reduced milk production, weight loss, infertility, and trade restrictions. Vaccination is the most effective tool to prevent outbreaks, particularly in densely populated livestock regions.
Officials noted that routine FMD vaccinations play a critical role in India’s broader goal of achieving FMD-free status under the national Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, which also aligns with the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Veterinary teams, livestock inspectors, and trained volunteers have been mobilized across villages in both districts to administer the vaccines and educate farmers on disease prevention. Posters, announcements, and community meetings are being used to spread awareness about the importance of vaccination.
“Farmers are encouraged to cooperate with officials and ensure all eligible livestock receive the vaccine,” Dr. Anbuvan added.
With Vellore and Ranipet having a substantial dairy and livestock farming population, the vaccination drive is expected to protect rural livelihoods and enhance livestock productivity.
Officials have also assured that cold chain storage and logistics have been adequately arranged to maintain vaccine efficacy throughout the campaign.
Following the completion of this drive, the department will monitor vaccinated animals and prepare for the next phase in February 2026, based on disease trends and vaccine stock availability.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to livestock health management as a critical component of rural development and economic stability.
