The Round-VII Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme and Round-III Classical Swine Fever (CSF) vaccination drive under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) were formally launched in Leparada district on Thursday at New Dari, headquarters of Dari circle.
The initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening animal health systems and supporting rural livestock-based livelihoods.
The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Leparada Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Nyamar Riba as chief guest and Leparada Additional Deputy Commissioner Ejum Angu as guest of honour.
The event witnessed participation of Gaon Burahs, Gram Panchayat leaders, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, farmers, livestock owners and members of the public from nearby villages.
Addressing the gathering, District Veterinary Officer Dr. Dammo Riba highlighted the objectives of the National Animal Disease Control Programme, stating that FMD and CSF are among the major livestock diseases causing significant economic losses to farmers. He stressed that timely vaccination is essential to protect animal health and strengthen rural livelihoods.
He also underscored the importance of community participation and urged Panchayati Raj Institution leaders, Gaon Burahs and village stakeholders to actively support the successful implementation of the vaccination drive across the district. Dr. Riba further appealed to livestock owners to cooperate in the OTP-based registration of animals through the Bharat Pashudhan App for real-time monitoring and data updating.
ZPC Nyamar Riba appreciated the Veterinary Department’s initiative and emphasized the importance of livestock as a key source of income for rural households. She urged farmers and livestock owners to fully utilise the vaccination and veterinary services being provided.
Leparada ADC Ejum Angu also lauded the department’s efforts and called for active public cooperation to ensure smooth execution of the campaign. He highlighted that awareness, timely vaccination and preventive healthcare are essential in controlling animal diseases, stating that prevention remains better than cure.
Officials informed that the vaccination drive will continue in a phased manner, covering cattle, mithun, pigs and other susceptible livestock to ensure wider immunisation coverage and improved animal health security across the district. (DIPR)
