Sri Vijaya Puram: In a concerted push to shield the island’s bovine population from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services is conducting an intensive vaccination campaign across South Andaman. Launched on June 2, the drive aims to immunize 9,000 cattle before the end of the month and has already covered over 5,500 animals despite heavy monsoon showers.
The vaccination campaign is being led by 11 veterinary teams operating from major facilities, including the Veterinary Hospitals in Junglighat, Garacharma (Team I & II), and Veterinary Dispensaries in Rangachang, Manglutan (Team I & II), Port Mout, Elephant Point, Wimberlygunj (Team I & II), and the Veterinary Polyclinic. These teams are working tirelessly, averaging 300 to 400 vaccinations per day while navigating poor weather and difficult terrain.
Veterinary officers have been conducting early morning visits to minimize stress on the animals and are working in close coordination with Panchayati Raj Institutions to mobilize farmers and household cattle owners. The strategic timing of the vaccination, during cooler parts of the day, has proven critical to reducing anxiety in cattle and ensuring smoother administration.
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals like cows and buffaloes. It causes painful sores in the mouth and on the feet, leading to fever, lameness, and reduced milk yield. Although not typically fatal, the disease causes severe economic losses to livestock-dependent communities. Nationwide, annual losses from FMD are estimated to exceed ₹20,000 crore.
In the Andaman Islands, where most dairy farmers are smallholders, an outbreak can decimate income sources, especially in remote regions that rely heavily on livestock for both milk and manure. The Department’s proactive vaccination strategy is in line with India’s nationwide goal of eradicating FMD by 2030.
The ongoing drive is supported by the Bharat Pashudhan Portal, a national database that tracks livestock vaccination in real time. All vaccinated animals are tagged and logged into the portal to ensure transparency, traceability, and continuous monitoring. This data-driven approach enables authorities to identify gaps, respond to outbreaks quickly, and plan future vaccination rounds effectively.
Officials have urged all cattle and buffalo owners to cooperate fully with veterinary teams during their village rounds. In many instances, reluctance or lack of awareness among farmers can hinder coverage. The department has reiterated that vaccination is not only free but also vital for the health of the animal and the financial stability of the household.
With just over a week left to reach the 9,000-animal target, the campaign has now entered a critical phase. The department has called upon local communities to encourage participation and ensure that no eligible cattle are left unvaccinated. Given the seasonal challenges and the threat of livestock disease resurgence, officials believe timely intervention is the most effective safeguard.
As the teams move into the final leg of the campaign, the hope is that community involvement and institutional coordination will continue to drive numbers up, contributing meaningfully to national livestock health and rural resilience.
