The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, in collaboration with the Nagaland Livestock Development Board (NLDB), officially initiated the third phase of the National Animal Disease Control Programme for Foot and Mouth Disease (NADCP) on December 5, 2023. Dr. Nsanthung Ezung, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nagaland, presided over the formal launch.

Foot and Mouth Disease, affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs, can result in reduced milk yield, decreased growth rate, infertility, and trade embargoes. The control strategy involves mass vaccination of susceptible livestock at regular intervals, aiming for gradual disease eradication.

The National Animal Disease Control Programme for FMD and Brucellosis (NADCP) aims to control FMD by 2025 through vaccination and achieve eventual eradication by 2030. The program operates under the strict supervision of the Government of India, with the Joint Secretary (LH&DC) to the GoI, Ministry of FAH&D, Deptt of AH&D serving as the Mission Director.

The vaccination mission incorporates online registration of animals, utilizing the Bharat Pashudhan or National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) portal. Farmers can register and schedule vaccinations through a toll-free number or communicate with district officials. The data will be accessible through the e-Gopala App/portal.

Dr. Nsanthung Ezung urged farmers and local authorities to support and cooperate with the vaccination efforts. He emphasized the benefits of the program and encouraged farmers to vaccinate their livestock against FMD. The Director called on department officers and field staff to ensure sincere efforts in vaccinating the entire eligible cattle and buffalo population in the state.

(DIPR)