BASAR, May 7: Underscoring the Government’s continued focus towards safeguarding animal health and enhancing rural livestock economy, the Round-VII Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Round-III Classical Swine Fever (CSF) vaccination programme under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) were formally launched at New Dari, headquarters of Dari circle, in Leparada district.
The programme began with a formal inauguration ceremony held in presence of Leparada ZPC Nyamar Riba as chief guest and ADC Leparada Ejum Angu as guest of honour. A large number of HGBs, GBs, PRI leaders, farmers, livestock owners and members of the general public from nearby villages attended the programme with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, the ZPC appreciated the proactive initiative undertaken by the Veterinary Department, and stressed the importance of protecting livestock, which continues to remain an important source of livelihood for rural households. He urged farmers and livestock owners to take full advantage of the vaccination programme and other veterinary services being provided by the Department.
The ADC, in his speech, lauded the efforts of the Department and appealed to the public to extend wholehearted cooperation for smooth and successful conduct of the campaign. He reiterated that awareness, timely vaccination and preventive healthcare are the keys to controlling the outbreak of animal diseases, adding that “prevention is always better than cure.”
Speaking on the occasion, District Veterinary Officer Leparada Dr Dammo Riba highlighted the objectives and significance of the nationwide vaccination drive being undertaken under NADCP. He stated that FMD and CSF are among the major diseases affecting livestock productivity and causing substantial economic losses to farmers.
He said that, therefore, timely vaccination is essential for protecting animal health and alleviating rural livelihoods.
The DVO further emphasized the crucial role of community participation and called for active involvement of PRI leaders, GBs, and village-level stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of the programme across all corners of the district.
He also appealed to livestock owners to cooperate in the OTP-based registration process of animal owners and livestock through the Bharat Pashudhan App, which enables real-time updating and monitoring of vaccination data.
The department further stated that the district-wide vaccination drive will continue in a phased manner up to June 20 this year, covering cattle, mithun, pigs and other susceptible livestock to ensure wider immunization coverage and improved animal health security in the district. (DIPRO)