Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharm Pal Singh launched the eighth phase of the state’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Control Programme from the Vikas Bhawan in Bareilly, marking the beginning of a statewide free livestock vaccination campaign.
The campaign, which will run from July 22 to September 8, 2026, aims to protect eligible livestock against the highly contagious Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The minister flagged off awareness and vaccination vehicles that will travel across the district to educate livestock owners and facilitate free vaccination services.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said livestock forms the backbone of the rural economy and is a vital source of livelihood for farmers. He stressed that safeguarding animals from infectious diseases remains a top priority for the state government. He noted that FMD significantly affects animal health and milk production, making timely vaccination essential for every eligible animal.
The minister directed officials to implement the campaign with utmost seriousness, transparency, and quality to ensure 100 per cent coverage of eligible livestock. He also instructed teams to intensify village-level awareness through mobile outreach vehicles so that no animal is left unvaccinated.
Emphasising strict monitoring, Singh warned that negligence in vaccine quality, cold chain management, regular field supervision, and real-time data uploading on the Bharat Pashudhan App would not be tolerated. He asked district authorities to achieve vaccination targets within the stipulated timeframe.
Describing the initiative as a significant public welfare programme, the minister said the campaign would strengthen livestock health, boost milk production, and enhance farmers’ incomes. The launch event was attended by departmental officials, public representatives, employees, and a large number of livestock farmers.
