Amaravati, March 16: Animal Husbandry Department teams began a major free vaccination drive against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) for cattle and buffaloes across Andhra Pradesh on Monday.
The campaign, part of the National Animal Disease Control Programme, runs in two phases: the main round through April 14, followed by boosters and missed coverage from April 15 to 29.
Authorities have distributed 83.69 lakh doses to districts, with staff visiting homes to administer shots at no cost.
FMD, a highly contagious viral illness, hits milk yield, animal strength, and farm income hard especially in cross-bred livestock with lower natural resistance. Symptoms include fever, mouth and hoof blisters, and excessive drooling; full recovery can take months without prevention.
