The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has launched a vaccination drive in Kolar district to protect the cattle from the dreaded Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The drive which commenced on March 9 will continue till March 25. It is targeted to vaccinate 2.5 lakh livestock in the district.
FMD had rattled the district in 2013 causing grave concern among the cattle-rearing farmers, since dairy is the one of the major source of livelihood in the region.
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About 3,084 cattle have died of FMD in 2013 in Kolar, the Department’s Deputy Director Dr. V. Raghurame Gowda said.
A slew of measures were taken after the outbreak of FMD in Kolar, Chickballapur and other parts of the State. Vaccination drive is one such step.
Farmers were hesitant on providing vaccination due to the fear of low yeild of milk. While admitting that yield will fall by a litre for a couple of days after vaccinating, Mr. Gowda said it will improve later. Vaccination will help in increasing immunity power. Hence, he added, “the farmers should not desist from getting their head of cattle vaccinated. If cattle get infected with FMD, they (cattle-rearers) have to suffer huge loss”.
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The drive is getting good response and farmers are coming forward to get their cattle vaccinated, Mr. Gowda told The Hindu on Thursday.
As many as 2,111 blocks have been formed to vaccinate the livestock.
221 vaccinators will participate in the drive. As many as 26 vehicles have been provided for the purpose. The Kolar-Chickballapur Cooperative Milk Union Ltd. (KoChimul) is also working with the department to ensure the success of the drive.