Jaipur

The Government of Rajasthan will vaccinate more than two crore cattle under the seventh phase of its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control programme, officials said on Tuesday.

The statewide campaign was launched by Animal Husbandry Minister Joraram Kumawat at Ramdev Gaushala in Bagru near Jaipur. The drive aims to cover around 2.32 crore cows and buffaloes across all districts.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, causing fever and blisters in the mouth, tongue and hooves.

Kumawat urged livestock owners to ensure that all their animals are vaccinated, noting that the initiative would improve animal health and boost farmers’ incomes.

According to officials, the minister has directed authorities and veterinary teams to complete the campaign within a set timeframe, with the broader goal of making the state free from the disease by 2030.

Suresh Meena, director in the animal husbandry department, said the disease significantly impacts livestock productivity and leads to economic losses for farmers.

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Officials added that veterinary teams will conduct door-to-door vaccination drives in villages and closely monitor the process to ensure maximum coverage.