The Indian Cabinet has unveiled a comprehensive scheme for the prevention and management of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis, two diseases that pose significant threats to the country’s livestock industry. The program will be entirely financed by the Central Government and aims to vaccinate 30 crore bovines, 20 crore sheep or goats, and 10 million pigs against FMD. In addition, the Brucellosis control program will cover 100% vaccination of 3.6 crore female calves.
Understanding Foot and Mouth Disease
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly infectious viral disease affecting livestock and causing significant economic loss. The disease primarily affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. The FMD virus belongs to the Aphthovirus genus of the Picornaviridae family, categorized as risk group 4 by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
The virus can spread through physical contact between infected and susceptible animals, or contamination from facilities, vehicles, or improperly cooked garbage containing infected meat or animal products. Although rare, humans can also contract the disease.
Insights about Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a bacterial ailment induced by various Brucella species that primarily affect cattle, swine, goats, sheep, and dogs. Humans typically contract the disease through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming contaminated animal products, including unpasteurized milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep. This disease could cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, weakness, malaise, and weight loss. While human-to-human transmission is rare, it remains a concern.
The Threat posed by FMD and Brucellosis
The National FMD zero surveillance estimates that 21% of cattle and buffalo have experienced a recent FMD virus infection. Brucellosis, on the other hand, is an uncontrolled, significant public health issue in many developing countries, including India. The disease is prevalent in India but often overlooked.
Economic Impact of FMD and Brucellosis
Both diseases have direct negative influence on the commerce of milk and other livestock products. According to estimates by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), direct losses due to milk and meat could total Rs 20,000 crore per year due to FMD. Indirect losses due to reduced productivity, abortions, subsequent infertility, and sterility, which account for decreased milk production in the future, are additional burdens.
| Disease | Direct Losses (per annum) | Indirect Losses |
|---|---|---|
| FMD | Rs 20,000 crore | Reduced productivity, abortions, subsequent infertility, and sterility |
| Brucellosis | N/A | Flu-like symptoms including fever, weakness, malaise, and weight loss |
India’s Livestock Sector
India’s livestock sector is among the world’s largest, contributing to about 4% of the GDP and 26% of the agricultural GDP during 2010-11. Remarkably, India ranks first among the world’s milk-producing nations, making this sector the largest contributor to the national GDP among agricultural commodities.
Government Initiatives for Disease Control
The FMD control program (FMDCP) was initiated during the 10th plan period and extended to the 11th and 12th plan periods. Currently, it covers 351 districts in 13 states and six UTs. The Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, initiated ‘FMD Mukt Bharat’ under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) during 2016-17. This program aims to cover all the states not included under the biannual vaccination scheme.
