Sri Vijaya Puram, May 25: The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has intensified a district-wide livestock health campaign across South Andaman ahead of the monsoon season, with veterinary teams conducting field visits and preventive treatment drives aimed at strengthening disease resistance among cattle and buffaloes in rural and remote areas.
The Mass Deworming Programme, launched on May 11, is being carried out through veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and sub-centres operating across South Andaman district as part of preventive healthcare measures before the upcoming Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination campaign.
Officials said veterinary officers and compounders have been visiting livestock farmers directly at field locations and households to ensure broader coverage and timely administration of deworming treatment, particularly in villages and hard-to-reach areas where access to regular veterinary services often remains limited.
According to figures released by the department, a total of 144 cattle and 14 buffaloes have so far been covered under the campaign, benefiting 38 livestock farmers across the district. Authorities said the drive would continue in a phased manner over the coming weeks to expand coverage further before monsoon conditions intensify across the islands.
The department said regular deworming is considered essential for maintaining livestock health, improving productivity and enhancing disease resistance, especially during the rainy season when humidity and environmental conditions can contribute to the spread of parasitic infections and other illnesses among animals.
Officials involved in the campaign have also been conducting awareness activities alongside treatment visits, educating farmers on preventive livestock healthcare, nutrition management and the importance of maintaining timely veterinary schedules.
Animal husbandry remains an important supplementary livelihood activity for many rural households across the islands, particularly in areas dependent on small-scale dairy and mixed farming practices. Veterinary authorities said preventive health measures are crucial in reducing economic losses caused by disease outbreaks and poor animal productivity.
The ongoing drive is also being viewed as part of broader monsoon preparedness efforts by the administration, with multiple departments stepping up health and awareness campaigns ahead of the rainy season.
The India Meteorological Department has already forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across the islands till May 30, warning of squally weather conditions along and off the Andaman and Nicobar coast. Departments involved in agriculture, fisheries, livestock and public health have accordingly begun precautionary outreach activities across vulnerable regions.
Officials said monsoon conditions often pose additional challenges for livestock owners due to waterlogging, parasitic infestations and increased risk of infectious diseases. Veterinary teams are therefore focusing not only on treatment but also on preventive awareness to minimise seasonal health complications among animals.
The Directorate has appealed to livestock farmers to cooperate with field veterinary staff and avail the benefits of the programme to ensure healthier livestock populations across the district.
Authorities said the department remains committed to strengthening livestock healthcare infrastructure and extending veterinary outreach services to remote and underserved regions of the islands through regular field visits and preventive care initiatives.
The campaign also aligns with wider administrative efforts to improve rural health resilience and preparedness ahead of the active monsoon period, when weather-related disruptions can affect access to essential services in scattered island settlements.
Experts in veterinary health note that preventive deworming campaigns conducted before the onset of heavy rainfall can significantly reduce disease burden among livestock and improve recovery rates during seasonal outbreaks. Such programmes are particularly important in island ecosystems where climatic conditions and logistical constraints can complicate large-scale treatment efforts once monsoon activity peaks.
Officials said continued monitoring and follow-up visits would be undertaken as the campaign progresses across South Andaman in the coming days.
