The veterinary team drove the Pest de Petit ruminant (PPR) disease with a month-long free vaccination of more than 450,000 goats and sheep, heading to goat sheds in Velor, Lannipat, Tirupatel and Tirunamale.
Collector VRSubbulaxmi said under her order that the vaccination drivers are designed to prevent any disease outbreaks caused by the extreme heat prevailing in the region.
According to Livestock Health Control Program (LHDCP) 2025-26, the Department of Animals, Dairy and Fisheries will cover only about 1.4 million goats and sheep in Vellore in part of the drive. “The second phase of the drive will focus on newborns as they are not resistant to the virus. Four-month-old goats and sheep are eligible for the annual vaccine. The vaccine will be completed on May 28.
According to the specifications under the National Digital Livestock Mission Blueprint, vaccinated animals will be equipped with bar coded ear bars with vaccination details. Collectors urge dairy farmers to participate in the drive. In the region, the number of Tiruvannamalai is over 150,000 goats, followed by Ranipet (1.5 million) and Vellore (1.3 million). As part of the motivation, the medical team visits beneficiaries every day to inoculate animals in the shed. Each team includes a doctor, a livestock inspector and a person.
Officials say the PPR disease is caused by a highly toxic virus that is transmitted through urine, tears and fertilizers that infect animals. The affected sheep develop lesions in the mouth, tongue, and gums. The goat will have watery eyes, nose and mouth as well as sneezing and coughing. Animals are also prone to respiratory problems and high body temperature. This will result in low productivity.
publishing – April 30, 2025 12:44 AM IST
