PRESS RELEASE REGARDING FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

 FMD is a viral disease of bovines that in nature shows huge variance with a number of strains and sub-strains.
 The virus has a tendency to mutate which leads to flaring up of the infection every few years.
 The Departments of Animal Husbandry follow a time-tested practice of vaccinating cattle before the onset of
spring and before the annual migration of livestock occurs.
 However, this year due to many factors the migration of livestock happened as early as February. This was
the time around which the first reports of FMD in Jammu Province arrived from Hakkal & Suchetgarh and
during March 2018 from Marh & Bega. Sporadic cases are currently being reported from Doda and Kishtwar
regions. The outbreaks were promptly addressed and controlled.
 Due to unprecedented early arrival of unvaccinated animals’ sporadic cases of FMD occurred along the
migratory tract and in Kashmir Valley which were attended to on priority by the Department and brought
under control.
 It is a well-known fact that non-vaccinated animals become a source of infection and lead to breakdown of
immunity even in vaccinated animals.
 Ring vaccination around such areas along with vaccination in sensitive areas was conducted by the Department
in February-March using already available buffer stock of vaccines from previous year.
 Mass Vaccination of cattle under FMD-Control Program (A centrally sponsored scheme launched for the first
time in J&K during 2017-18) was undertaken and around 12 lac bovines (92% of total population) across the
Kashmir province were vaccinated. This was for the first time that almost all cattle in Kashmir and Ladakh
Division were vaccinated.
 The vaccines used were procured by a transparent process using e-Tendering from Nationally reputed
Government approved firm for 100% of the Bovine population of the State.
 An outbreak of FMD was recorded in the Kashmir Valley from mid of April to end of May 2018.
 The department has sent over 200 serum samples for confirmation and sero-testing which confirmed the
disease as FMD with O serotype. Titre assessment for evaluation of immunity is also underway.
 The Department started round the clock treatment and control measures right from April to control the
disease – As many as 15 Rapid Response Teams (including 3 provincial teams) swung in to action and attended
cases in every nook and corner of the valley.
 Due to the concerted efforts the reports of FMD started declining towards the end of May and incidence of
new cases dropped significantly (0.03%).
 As the unvaccinated migratory population started arriving in Kargil district an outbreak of FMD was recorded
in Drass and Panikher (both entry points of migratory livestock) beginning June 2018, which too the
Department has brought under control.
 In Leh district not a single case of FMD was recorded as no migration of livestock to Leh occurs.
 Sufficient stocks of vaccine, medicine (antibiotics – for secondary infections) and other supportive drugs (anti-
inflammatory, antiseptic & disinfectants) are available in all districts.
 Awareness camps have been held in the most districts and advisories are being issued for public information
in newspapers, social media, official website & via SMS portal regularly.
 The department is in a state of high alert and any FMD occurrence is being attended to on priority. As on date
the FMD is largely under control and in a state of remission.
 Public is advised not to pay heed to rumors and to report any cases directly to the Department either by visiting
their nearest centres or by calling 0191-2505552/2505247 (Jammu Province) OR 0194-2455369 – Extension
140 (Kashmir Province)

Director
Animal Husbandry Department
Kashmir - Srinagar