Statewide vaccination initiative
Gujarat Strengthens Livestock Safety Through FMD Vaccination Campaign: The Gujarat Government has launched a large-scale Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination campaign from March 1 to April 15. This drive is implemented under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP).
The campaign focuses on protecting livestock and ensuring stable income for farmers. It also aims to prevent economic losses in the dairy sector, which is vital for rural livelihoods.
Static GK fact: Gujarat is one of India’s leading milk-producing states and plays a key role in the White Revolution led by Amul cooperative movement.
Coverage and execution
The vaccination drive targets cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, which are highly vulnerable to FMD. These animals are commonly found in rural and semi-urban regions.
Teams of veterinary professionals are visiting villages and dairy farms to administer vaccines. Regular monitoring of animal health is also being conducted during the campaign.
This door-to-door approach ensures maximum coverage and reduces the chances of disease spread across districts.
Understanding Foot and Mouth Disease
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals. It spreads quickly through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and even air in certain conditions.
Symptoms include fever, blisters in the mouth and feet, excessive salivation, and reduced appetite. These symptoms lead to severe productivity losses in livestock.
The most critical impact is the decline in milk production, which directly affects farmers’ income and the dairy supply chain.
Static GK Tip: FMD does not usually affect humans but has major economic consequences due to livestock loss and trade restrictions.
Role of NADCP in disease control
The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India. It aims to eliminate FMD and Brucellosis through systematic vaccination.
Under this programme, mass vaccination drives are conducted across states in a phased manner. The goal is to achieve disease-free livestock populations.
This initiative supports food security, rural income stability, and export potential of animal products.
Digital monitoring through INAPH
The Gujarat government is using the INAPH portal (Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health) for real-time monitoring. Each animal is identified using ear tagging.
Details such as vaccination status and health records are uploaded into the system. This helps authorities track coverage and identify gaps efficiently.
Digital tools like INAPH improve transparency and ensure better implementation of government schemes.
Static GK fact: The INAPH system was developed by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to enhance livestock productivity and health tracking.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Gujarat Strengthens Livestock Safety Through FMD Vaccination Campaign:
| Topic | Detail |
| Programme Name | National Animal Disease Control Programme |
| State | Gujarat |
| Disease Targeted | Foot and Mouth Disease |
| Campaign Duration | March 1 to April 15 |
| Animals Covered | Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats |
| Key Symptoms | Fever, mouth blisters, reduced milk production |
| Digital Tool Used | INAPH portal |
| Implementing Support | Veterinary teams and NDDB system |
| Economic Impact | Affects dairy sector and farmer income |
| National Goal | Elimination of FMD and Brucellosis |
