The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Nagaland Livestock Development Board (NLDB), successfully launched the 4th round of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccination Mission in Nagaland under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) on September 11, 2024, at the NLDB headquarters in Kohima. The program was chaired by Dr. Kewelelo Mero, Project Director, NLDB.
In his keynote address, Dr. Khriekuolie Linyu, Managing Director, NLDB, outlined the overall roadmap of the National Animal Disease Control Programme for FMD. The event was officially launched by Dr. Achila Ao, Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, in the presence of senior officials from the department, local farmers, and veterinary professionals. In her speech, the Director reaffirmed the state’s commitment to combating animal diseases that negatively impact the livestock economy and rural households. She also emphasized the importance of such initiatives in improving animal health and productivity, while highlighting the success of previous rounds of the vaccination drive.
The FMD vaccination drive aims to improve livestock health across the state and eliminate Foot and Mouth Disease, a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs. This nationwide campaign is part of the government’s broader vision to control FMD by 2025 and eradicate it by 2030, ensuring healthier livestock productivity, contributing to rural livelihoods, and enhancing the nation’s food security.
The NADCP initiative seeks to control FMD by 2025 and eradicate it by 2030 through continuous vaccination rounds, improved animal health, and reduced productivity losses due to the disease. The program aims to boost milk and meat production, contributing to the economy and food security, and to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers, especially in rural areas.
The first three rounds of the vaccination drive resulted in a significant reduction in FMD cases across the state, with over 95% of livestock covered under the program. This 4th round aims to achieve 100% vaccination coverage, ensuring protection for all susceptible animals in Nagaland.
As the 4th round of vaccination begins, the department remains committed to ensuring that every livestock owner across the state has access to the necessary veterinary support. The NADCP is part of India’s broader vision to become self-reliant in the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors, and the success of this program is seen as a critical step toward that goal.
The FMD vaccination drive will continue across all districts of Nagaland over the next few weeks, with local veterinary teams actively administering vaccines and educating farmers on disease management practices. Vaccination will be done on a scheduled basis, and village authorities and farmers are requested to assist department officials to maximize the benefits of this mission.