A comprehensive and entirely free vaccination drive against foot-and-mouth disease has been initiated by the Animal Husbandry Department across Sitamarhi and the wider state of Bihar, beginning on July 10. District Animal Husbandry Officer Prem Kumar Jha explained that this is an extremely severe and viral ailment that launches a direct assault on the health of livestock. The disease proves particularly lethal for high-yielding dairy cows and young female calves. If preventative measures are not taken in a timely manner, the infection has the potential to engulf livestock populations across the entire region.
Severe Consequences and Reproductive Risks
Shedding light on the adverse outcomes of this condition, the District Animal Husbandry Officer noted that if a young calf contracts the infection, it triggers several reproductive complications. This frequently leads to repeat breeding issues where the animals fail to conceive properly. In numerous cases, there is also a serious and sudden threat of miscarriage. Because this is a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly from one animal to another, timely vaccination remains the sole effective remedy for prevention.
Digital and Online Administration Process
To strengthen transparency and efficiency in the campaign, the authorities have digitized and moved the entire procedure online. Before administering the vaccine, an online registration of the livestock owner is conducted using their mobile number. An OTP is sent to the registered mobile number of the owner, and the registration process is finalized only after submitting this code on the portal. Following this digital entry, the concerned animal is vaccinated, ensuring that the complete tracking is clearly visible on the departmental portal.
Clearing Misconceptions Regarding the Vaccine
Addressing common misconceptions circulating among cattle owners, District Animal Husbandry Officer Prem Kumar Jha clarified the medical guidelines. He stated that this vaccine must never be administered to an animal that is already sick or infected, as it is intended exclusively for completely healthy animals. Vaccinating healthy livestock builds robust immunity within their bodies, shielding them against the onslaught of this fatal virus in the future. He has urged all regional farmers to step forward and take full advantage of this welfare scheme.
