The eighth round of vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease for cattle in villages across the district has commenced. Officials said a total of 5.46 lakh cattle will be covered in the drive.
Earlier, the cattle were vaccinated against the disease annually.
Once in six months
“In the last few rounds, we have started to vaccinate the ruminants once in six months. We have been able to provide 100 per cent immunity this way. As a result, Vellore has been free of foot-and-mouth disease for a year,” K. Rajasekaran, joint director of Animal Husbandry, Vellore said.
Cattle reared in 743 panchayats across the district will be covered in the vaccination drive that is on from March 1 to 21.
“Teams comprising a veterinary assistant surgeon, livestock inspector and animal husbandry assistant will visit the panchayats to vaccinate the cattle. Doctors from Aavin will also assist in the drive,” he added.
The district administration has urged all persons rearing cattle to make good use of the opportunity and vaccinate their animals against the disease.
Collector R. Nanthagopal launched the eighth round of vaccination at Poigai Pudur village on Tuesday.