Gujarat Launches FMD Vaccination Drive Under National Programme

The state of Gujarat has commenced an intensive statewide vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which began on March 1, 2026, and is scheduled to run until April 15, 2026. This crucial initiative is being implemented under the umbrella of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), a flagship scheme by the Government of India dedicated to enhancing livestock health across the nation. FMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. The disease is characterized by symptoms including fever, painful mouth ulcers, and excessive salivation, which can lead to a significant reduction in milk production, decreased growth rates, infertility, and reduced working capacity in bullocks. For dairy farmers, outbreaks of FMD can result in substantial financial losses, estimated to be around ₹24,000 crores annually nationwide. The primary objective of Gujarat's vaccination drive is to safeguard the health of its vast livestock population, prevent widespread disease outbreaks, and consequently protect farmers from the severe economic repercussions associated with FMD. The campaign emphasizes the critical role of regular, large-scale vaccination in developing herd immunity and reducing disease incidence, thereby moving closer to the long-term goal of FMD eradication. The NADCP, launched by the Prime Minister in September 2019, is a comprehensive nationwide program that aims to control FMD by 2025 through mass vaccination and achieve its eventual eradication by 2030. This program also addresses Brucellosis in bovines and is a Central Sector Scheme, meaning 100% of the funds are provided by the Central Government to the States and Union Territories for implementation. The Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) further subsumes NADCP, outlining a broader government commitment to animal health through disease prevention, control, and improved veterinary services. As part of the ongoing vaccination drive in Gujarat, a robust tracking and monitoring system has been put in place. Animals receiving the vaccine are identified through ear-tagging, and their details are meticulously uploaded to the Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH) portal. This digital platform enables authorities to efficiently track vaccination coverage, monitor animal health status, and ensure that livestock across the state receive comprehensive protection. Veterinary officers, such as Bhavin Kumar in Lodra, Gujarat, highlight that these vaccination drives are typically conducted twice a year—once in March and again in September—to maintain consistent immunity levels within the animal population. The initiative has garnered significant support from local cattle owners and dairy cooperative societies, who recognize the importance of these vaccination efforts in maintaining the health and productivity of their animals. Farmers, like Jigarbhai Patel from Lodra, have expressed their cooperation, noting that government officials regularly visit their villages to administer vaccines and raise awareness about preventive measures. Such community involvement is vital for the successful implementation and sustained impact of the vaccination program. Similar FMD vaccination drives under the NADCP are also being conducted in other Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh and the Union Territory of Kargil, indicating a concerted national effort to combat the disease. This coordinated approach across various states is crucial for achieving the national targets of FMD control and eradication, which will ultimately contribute to increased domestic production and boost exports of milk and livestock products, aligning with international trade standards. In conclusion, the ongoing FMD vaccination drive in Gujarat is a well-corroborated and timely news story, reflecting the persistent efforts of the Indian government and state authorities to safeguard livestock health and secure the livelihoods of millions of farmers through effective disease management strategies. The comprehensive nature of the NADCP, coupled with digital monitoring and community participation, underscores a strong commitment to eradicating FMD from India by 2030.

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