Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It manifests through fever and painful blisters in the mouth and on the feet, leading to significant losses in livestock production.
The Indian government is actively working to establish FMD-free zones in eight states to boost livestock health and expand export opportunities for animal products. By ensuring these regions meet international health standards, India aims to strengthen its presence in the global market.
The eight states chosen for this initiative are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. These regions have been prioritized for advanced vaccination efforts to achieve FMD-free status.
To combat FMD in these zones, the government is implementing robust vaccination campaigns. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding livestock health and obtaining international certification for FMD-free zones.
Creating FMD-free zones is expected to align with international health standards, thus facilitating the export of animal products. This initiative will likely open new markets for Indian dairy and meat products, significantly enhancing the country's export potential.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is leading this initiative, with Secretary Alka Upadhyaya playing a pivotal role in coordinating across the targeted states. The department collaborates closely with state governments to implement vaccination programs and achieve FMD-free status.
Achieving FMD-free status is vital for improving livestock health, enhancing productivity, and ensuring the safety of animal products. It also aids in gaining international recognition, which is crucial for exporting animal products to global markets.
Key challenges include ensuring comprehensive vaccination coverage, maintaining biosecurity measures, and monitoring animal movements to prevent disease reintroduction. Continuous collaboration between central and state governments is essential to address these challenges effectively.
Q1. What is foot-and-mouth disease?
Answer: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing fever and blisters, leading to significant livestock production losses.
Q2. Why is India establishing FMD-free zones?
Answer: India aims to improve livestock health and increase animal product exports by creating FMD-free zones that meet international health standards.
Q3. Which states are targeted for FMD-free zones?
Answer: The eight states include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, prioritized for vaccination efforts.
Q4. What measures are in place to control FMD?
Answer: The government is conducting advanced vaccination campaigns and implementing biosecurity measures to control and prevent the spread of FMD in targeted zones.
Q5. What are the challenges of establishing FMD-free zones?
Answer: Challenges include ensuring vaccination coverage, maintaining biosecurity, and monitoring animal movements to prevent the disease's reintroduction.
Question 1: What is foot-and-mouth disease primarily associated with?
A) Birds
B) Cloven-hoofed animals
C) Felines
D) Canines
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which department is spearheading the FMD-free initiative in India?
A) Ministry of Health
B) Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
C) Ministry of Agriculture
D) Department of Environment
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How many states are being targeted for FMD-free zones?
A) Six
B) Eight
C) Ten
D) Twelve
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is a primary goal of establishing FMD-free zones in India?
A) Decrease livestock production
B) Improve international trade
C) Increase livestock disease
D) Limit animal exports
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What significant challenge exists in establishing FMD-free zones?
A) Lack of interest
B) Comprehensive vaccination coverage
C) Overpopulation of livestock
D) Increased disease outbreaks
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is the expected benefit of achieving FMD-free status?
A) Increased livestock deaths
B) Decreased production efficiency
C) Enhanced export opportunities
D) Limited market access
Correct Answer: C
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