The Government of India launched an initiative to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease and Brucellosis — both common among livestock — from the country. The plan envisages increasing medical treatment, and vaccinating 300 million bovines (cows, bulls and water buffaloes), 200 million sheep/goats, and 10 million pigs every six months along with primary vaccination in bovine calves.
A vaccination program for both these diseases already exists in the country under which the federal and state governments contribute funds in the ratio of 60:40. In a rare instance of departure, the federal government has decided to now bear the entire cost of $1.9 billion to ensure complete eradication of these diseases within the next five years and ensure better livelihood opportunities for all livestock rearing farmers in the country.
Brucellosis is a serious problem as it not only decreases the output of milk but also causes infertility among dairy cattle. The zoonotic disease can also be transmitted to farm workers and livestock owners. Both the diseases have a direct negative impact on the trade of milk and other livestock products.
