Foot and mouth disease control and elimination in India: Importance of herd immunity and critical disease control measures

Abstract

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) being a disease with strong trans-boundary nature, does not restrict with specific geography (state or the country). In a vaccination based disease control programme as implemented by government of India, collective efforts are required to achieve FMD control and elimination in a zone. The results which may be achieved on disease free compartments/zones may not be sustainable in longer run till country wide sustained efforts are not made for disease freedom. To fill the gaps, a series of capacity building programs on “Foot and Mouth Disease Elimination with Vaccination” are being conducted by ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease, for all veterinarians of the country. These programmes may act as a catalyst and refresher course for effective implementation of FMD control in the country. The present communication is therefore important for all veterinarians, vaccinators and progressive farmers to make FMD control a nationwide success story.