Chitwan Vaccinates 70,000 Livestock Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Chitwan. 70,000 livestock raised by farmers have been vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease. Vaccination has been carried out to prevent foot-and-mouth disease in domestic livestock during the current fiscal year. According to Dr. Prabhat Neupane, Chief of the Animal Services Office, Chitwan, there are one lakh cattle and buffaloes in the district. He mentioned that some farmers administer the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine themselves, and the office also vaccinates through animal service offices in the municipalities. "This disease spreads due to viruses. Symptoms seen in cattle and buffaloes infected with this disease include fever of 104 degrees for two to three days, loss of skin on the tongue, abortion in pregnant animals, reduced milk production, foot sores, and loss of appetite," said Dr. Neupane, Chief of the Animal Services Office. "This disease is more common in cattle, buffaloes, and pigs, so farmers must also be vigilant." He stated that although livestock in the district are safe after being vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease, the disease is seen in animals purchased from outside. He urged that animals purchased from outside should be kept in quarantine for 21 days before mixing them with one's own herd. Dr. Neupane said, "Infected animals should be kept separate and treated." He mentioned that the infection is more common in cattle taken for grazing as it can also be transmitted by wild animals. The office has urged livestock farmers to adopt biosecurity measures on every farm and vaccinate against foot-and-mouth disease twice a year.