Vety Dept to launch mass livestock vaccination drive
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 14 2023: In view of the onset of summer and monsoon seasons and likelihood of outbreak of diseases among the livestock, the directorate of veterinary and animal husbandry is all set to launch a mass vaccination drive for livestock and appealed to all concerned not to miss the vaccinations.

Addressing media persons at the Sanjenthong office of the directorate, here on Tuesday, director Dr Ng Ibotombi informed that various diseases like black quarter (BQ), haemorrhagic septicaemia and foot and mouth disease are most likely to spread in the state with the on-set of summer and.

rainy seasons.

These diseases in animals can be prevented through vaccination.

Therefore, animals including cows, buffaloes, pig and goats should be vaccinated.

He also appealed to all local clubs, NGOs and village chiefs of hill districts to extend cooperation and support in the vaccination drive to prevent spreading of diseases.

Informing that the veterinary and animal husbandry staff along with disease diagnostic laboratory staff visited Wangoo Sandangkhong on Monday to take stock of the death of a cow from suspected black quarter infection, Dr Ng Ibotombi said that ring vaccination has been conducted at the place where the cow died along with carrying out vaccination in surrounding areas so as to prevent further spread of the disease.

He further appealed to all to report any suspected cattle death cases to the nearest veterinary dispensary and hospitals or any staff of the department.

Regarding cases of bird flu reported in some parts of the country, the director informed, that if 10 percent of the livestock suddenly perishes, it could be regarded as bird flu case.

Since there is no vaccine for bird flu, it is advisable to take up precautionary measures like not buying chicks, eggs and chick feeds from bird flu affected areas.

Dr Ng Ibotombi also informed that ear tagging of animals, which is often rejected by some farmers, has multiple benefits.

The small subcutaneous chjp contains the animal's entire profile like its date of birth, gender, breed, lactation cycle, the amount of milk it gives, the vaccination it requires and has been given, the owner's name and address, etc.

It also helps farmers and owners in identifying their animals lost during natural calamities or when they are stolen.

Moreover, ear tagging with the latest technology of fixing microchips could be used at the time of taking the national livestock insurance policy.

It is a policy where the central government's share is 50 percent, state government has 30 percent and another 20 percent borne by the animal owner, he said while advising all cattle owners to enrol for the insurance.

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