SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: Directorate of Sheep Husbandry, Kashmir, today kick-started a comprehensive vaccination drive for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) control programme at its headquarters in Lal Mandi, Srinagar.
The drive was formally inaugurated by Dr. Rafiq Ahmad Shah, Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, Kashmir.
The initiative marks a crucial step in safeguarding the health of the livestock population in the region, with a focus on improving animal productivity and minimizing economic losses to the farming community due to FMD, a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rafiq Ahmad Shah emphasized the department’s commitment to a proactive move to strengthen animal healthcare and disease prevention among small Ruminants.
“FMD vaccination drive is a significant intervention under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP). Ensuring the health of our livestock directly contributes to the livelihood of thousands of sheep and goat rearers across Kashmir,” he said.
Demonstrations on proper vaccine handling and administration were also conducted as part of the awareness and capacity-building component of the programme.
This initiative reflects the department’s continued efforts toward strengthening animal husbandry infrastructure and promoting sustainable livestock farming in the region.
Directorate has urged all livestock owners to actively cooperate with field teams and ensure timely vaccination of their animals.
