Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli, in coordination with the Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai, organised an awareness camp on ‘Blue tongue disease in sheep’ at Kalakkudi village in Manur block in the district on Sunday.
A total of 800 sheep were vaccinated against blue tongue disease.
Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University S. Thilagar inaugurated the camp, and released a booklet titled ‘Chevvaadu’.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Thilagar explained in detail the economic loss farmers suffered by this disease in the past that led to the invention and supply of blue tongue vaccine by TANUVAS.
He said that the entire sheep-rearing community must vaccinate their sheep against blue tongue disease in time and urged the farmers to practise sheep rearing in a scientific manner. The VC and RI was functioning in a holistic manner by combining research and extension.
He distributed free health inputs to 100 sheep farmers on the occasion.
Dean of VC and RI S. Prathaban, while presenting the camp report, noted that vaccinating the sheep against blue tongue disease decreased mortality in sheep. He also explained the services being extended by the institute to the farming community.
Director of Centre for Animal Health Studies, TANUVAS, P.I. Ganesan released a leaflet on ‘Blue tongue disease’. He requested the farmers to vaccinate the sheep once a year against this disease.
Dairy Consultant of Pudhu Vaazhvu Project Dr. Kumaragurubaran, and president of NABARD Farmers’ Club Manivannan delivered the felicitation address.
Earlier, Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, VC and RI, T. Ravimurugan, Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, VC and RI, C. Manivannan spoke.
