An immunisation and healthcare programme is now underway for the sick and stray bulls roaming in the streets of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar without proper vaccination and found suffering from deadly Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (FARD) Bishnupada Sethi has taken the initiative for massive immunisation of these stray bulls against the FMD, which is a severe, highly communicable disease of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and deer.
The disease is characterised by blister-like lesions on the tongue, nose and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the toes which then burst, leaving painful ulcers. The blisters cause a heavy flow of sticky, foamy saliva that hangs from the mouth. The infected animals sway from one foot to the other due to the tenderness of the feet. They have high fever, stop eating and become lame. The virus is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly unless it is contained.
Sethi has instructed officials of the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services to organise a campaign for vaccination on a large scale.
The vets and paravets of the FARD have started vaccination in the twin city after locating the sick animals. A mobile veterinary unit (MVU) and ambulatory vans are moving to locate the bulls and cattle folk for conducting
operation.
About 400 stray bulls have so far been vaccinated against the FMD and this campaign would continue, said official sources.
Besides, steps are being taken to accelerate the process of establishment of a laboratory for the FMD at Argul, said a senior FARD official.