Sudden drop in milk output? Vets warn cattle owners to check for foot-and-mouth disease Animal husbandry officials in Palamu warn that a sudden drop in milk from cows or buffaloes could signal Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Here's how to spot the symptoms, care for an infected animal, and prevent it through timely vaccination. In Palamu district, animal husbandry officials are urging dairy farmers to watch for a common but damaging illness whenever a cow or buffalo suddenly starts giving less milk. The culprit, they say, is often Foot-and-Mouth Disease, known as FMD, a highly contagious infection that the government has been working continuously to control through vaccination. Which animals are most at risk FMD spreads mainly among animals with cloven hooves, meaning hooves split into two parts. Cows, buffaloes and other milk producing animals all fall into this category. The disease does more than make an animal unwell; it directly hits milk output, leaving farmers with a real financial loss. Spotting the early symptoms According to Prabhakar Sinha, the District Animal Husbandry Officer of Palamu, an infected animal typically develops mild fever at first, which can climb to between 105 and 106 degrees Fahrenheit in severe cases. Blisters and sores then appear inside the mouth, making it painful for the animal to eat fodder or drink water. Wounds can also form around the hooves, with the skin in that area peeling away. If the condition worsens, these wounds can become infected and even attract maggots. The animal grows progressively weaker, and in milk producing cattle, output drops noticeably. Keeping mouth wounds clean Sinha said that once an animal develops mouth ulcers, hygiene becomes critical. A traditional remedy involves boiling neem leaves in water and using the resulting solution to clean the animal's mouth. Owners should also ensure a steady supply of clean water and soft fodder so the animal does not struggle while eating. Home remedies such as alum and turmeric can be used as well. Caution with hoof and leg wounds If wounds appear on the legs or around the hooves, the animal should be kept in a clean, dry space. Should the wound become infected or attract maggots, a veterinarian should be contacted without delay. Sinha specifically cautioned against applying turpentine oil or any ointment without expert advice, warning that incorrect use can make the wound significantly worse. Timely vaccination remains the best safeguard Sinha said the most effective way to prevent FMD is timely vaccination. Under the government's vaccination programme, animals are given the FMD vaccine at fixed intervals, and farmers are advised to get their animals vaccinated every time such a drive is held. He also stressed that FMD is a contagious disease, so any animal showing symptoms should immediately be separated from the rest of the herd, with a veterinarian consulted right away. Timely identification, proper treatment and regular vaccination, he said, can keep animals healthy while significantly limiting the losses in milk production. What this means for you If you keep a milk-giving cow or buffalo at home, this directly concerns your household income. • Across India: Dairy farmers nationwide lose income every year to FMD outbreaks. Spotting symptoms early and getting animals vaccinated during government drives can prevent much of this loss. • In Palamu: The district's animal husbandry department has advised isolating any animal showing symptoms from the rest of the herd and calling a veterinarian immediately, which limits how far the infection spreads and keeps losses contained. • Effect on milk and earnings: Fever, mouth ulcers and hoof wounds weaken the animal and cut its milk yield, which hits a farming household's daily earnings directly. • Be careful with home care: Remedies like neem water, alum and turmeric can help, but applying turpentine oil or ointment without a vet's advice can worsen the wound, so avoid self-medicating the animal. • Don't miss the vaccination window: The government runs vaccination drives at fixed intervals, so get your animal vaccinated every time the drive reaches your area to prevent future losses. Questions & Answers 1. What is FMD? It is Foot-and-Mouth Disease, a contagious illness that mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cows and buffaloes. 2. What are the early symptoms of FMD in animals? Mild fever, which can rise to 105-106 degrees Fahrenheit in severe cases, along with blisters and sores in the mouth. 3. How does FMD affect milk production? The animal becomes weak, causing milk output from dairy animals to drop. 4. How should mouth wounds be cleaned? A solution made by boiling neem leaves in water can be used to clean the mouth, along with home remedies like alum and turmeric. 5. What precautions should be taken for hoof wounds? Keep the animal in a clean, dry place and avoid using turpentine oil or any ointment without expert advice. 6. What is the most effective way to prevent FMD? Timely vaccination is the most effective way; animals should be vaccinated under the government's programme at fixed intervals. 7. What precaution should be taken with a sick animal? Since FMD is contagious, a sick animal showing symptoms should be isolated from others immediately and a veterinarian consulted right away. 8. Who provided this information? Prabhakar Sinha, the District Animal Husbandry Officer of Palamu, provided this information. https://trendkia.com/en/jharkhand/maveshiyon-men-achanaka-dudha-ghate-to-satarka-ho-jaen-khurapaka-munhapaka-roga-ke-lakshana-aura-bachava-janen-28807 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.