As part of controlling diseases among animals, the department of animal husbandry is organising a vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth disease in the district from August 1 onwards.
The campaign to be undertaken over a month, will cover over 1,10,000 cattle and 3,500 pigs.
District Coordinators of the Animal Disease Control project K. Jansi told reporters here on Wednesday that all preparations for the campaign has been completed and that 140 squads have been dispersed in the district for smooth functioning of the campaign, which is being undertaken for the 17 time in the State.
The State government is spending over Rs.18 lakh for the project in the district and that the vaccination is provided at subsidised rates.
Dr. Jansy said that the Foot and Mouth Disease was caused by a virus and hence cure is not possible.
However, vaccination can save the lives of the animals to a great extent and hence the campaign.
She said that the rate of death due to Foot and Mouth disease in the district last year was very minimal compared to other districts and that most of those killed were non-vaccinated cattle.
The Foot and Mouth Disease affects the reproduction of cattle as well as all other organs and reduces milk production completely.
The cattle will have inflammation in the mouth, as a result of which they would not be able to take food or water. They will also have rashes on breasts and feet. Pregnancies get aborted and the disease leads to death of cattle below one year age, Dr.Jansi said.
District Epidemiologist Neena Thomas was also present at the press meet.
