September 13, 2023

Over 50% of cattle vaccinated in Indian city of Pimpri Chinchwad

The municipal corporation of Pimpri Chinchwad city in the Indian state of Maharashtra has conducted vaccinations, launched awareness campaigns, and enforced strict guidelines to curb the spread of lumpy skin disease, resulting in 55% of the city's cattle population vaccinated in nine days, The Free Press Journal reported.

Shekhar Singh, Commissioner and Administrator of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), has set an ambitious target to achieve 100% vaccination coverage for the city's cattle.

In response to the lumpy skin disease outbreak, the state Veterinary Department swiftly procured 3,400 doses of the Goat Pox vaccine from the State Animal Husbandry Department and has requested additional doses. The vaccination campaign is making remarkable progress, with 2,440 animals already inoculated.

Lumpy skin disease has been observed among cows and bulls in the PCMC area. To prevent further spread, the Municipal Corporation has taken proactive measures. Beginning August 30, veterinary teams led by Commissioner Singh were dispatched to various parts of the city to prevent the outbreak.

Each veterinary team consists of a medical officer, helper, and livestock supervisor. These teams are diligently overseeing eight divisional areas within the Municipal Corporation. To contain the spread of Lumpy Disease among stray animals, isolation rooms have been established. As the disease is transmitted by insects, fumigation and animal shed disinfection are being regularly carried out. Thus far, the Municipal Corporation has sprayed a total of 443 cowsheds.

In cases where animals display symptoms of the disease, they are isolated and receive treatment from the Veterinary Department's designated teams upon coordination.

Sandeep Khot, Deputy Commissioner of the PCMC, has encouraged cattle owners to reach out to their nearest health office or the veterinary department's team coordinator for fumigation and spraying services.

-      The Free Press Journal