Malerkotla all set to prevent spread of veterinary diseases

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Mahesh Sharma

Malerkotla, February 17

The Animal Husbandry Department of Malerkotla has claimed to have taken proactive measures to prevent cattle heads from falling prey to veterinary diseases including foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD).

OVER 1 LAKH CATTLE VACCINATED

As many as 1,18,800 head of cattle have been vaccinated against FMD. Apart from this, 12,900 sheep and goats have been given free ETV vaccine doses. In all, 1,18,200 cattle have been de-wormed. — Dr Sukhwinder Singh, District veterinary officer

After completing vaccination for FMD and de-worming, the department is poised to start vaccination against LSD.

District Veterinary Officer (DVO) Dr Sukhwinder Singh informed that veterinary officers and staff at all veterinary hospitals and dispensaries had been provided with adequate stocks of de-worming pills and Goat Pox Vaccine so that vaccination of all animals is completed before any contamination from outside factors.

“Though no incident of LSD has been reported, we have completed all preparations for the statewide campaign being launched from next Sunday,” said Dr Sukhwinder Singh, adding that the third dose of Goat pox vaccine will now be given as a booster dose.

Claiming that there was no risk of LSD in buffaloes, the DVO said the national rate of infestation in buffaloes is between 1-1.5 per cent. He said all 34,000 cows in the district will be vaccinated against the disease free of cost.

The DVO added that 1,18,800 heads of cattle have been vaccinated against FMD. Apart from this, 12,900 sheep and goats have been given free ETV vaccine doses. In all, 1,18,200 cattle have been de-wormed.

Dilwarpreet Singh, veterinary officer at Kup, said dairy farmers and farmers rearing buffaloes and cows had been advised to ensure that no animal is left without vaccination so that protection chain is not broken. “We have prepared a roster to organise awareness camps at village level where owners of cattle are provided with required tips and vaccinations according to their demand,” the veterinarian said.