Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious disease of cloven footed animals capable of causing severe economic loss to the farmers. The assessments of direct economic losses due to FMD outbreak were estimated to be about 7.35 crores per year in the state. There are seven serotypes of FMD virus, and among them the serotypes O, A & Asia 1 are prevalent in Assam. Infection with one serotype does not confer immunity against another. Therefore, outbreaks may be encountered even after initial vaccination. However, after repeated vaccination the disease can be controlled.
Considering these aspects, the Department of A.H & Veterinary, Assam started execution of an action plan for control of FMD through mass vaccination of cattle and buffaloes by bi-annual vaccination so that the herd immunity level can be raised.
In the initial phase FMD control program was launched in 15 districts of Assam (viz. Morigaon, Nagaon, Dima Hasao, Hojai, Karbi Anglong (E), Karbi Anglong (W), Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Charaideu, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur) since February/2018. The next phase of mass vaccination is planned to be started from Mid September encompassing entire state of Assam.
Uptill now (Upto mid part of May/18) more than 19.69 lakh of bovine population of Assam are vaccinated.