Why in News?
As of March 16–18, 2026, several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, have launched massive, statewide free vaccination campaigns under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP).
The Virus and Transmission
- Cause: A virus of the Picornaviridae family, genus Aphthovirus.
- Serotypes: There are seven distinct types (O, A, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1). In Asia, Serotype O is the most prevalent.
- Highly Contagious: Spreads via direct contact, airborne particles (aerosols), contaminated fodder, vehicles, and even on the clothing of handlers.
Symptoms in Animals
- Blisters (Vesicles): Characterised by painful sores on the tongue, lips, mouth, teats, and between the hooves.
- Productivity Drop: Causes high fever, excessive salivation (drooling), lameness, and a sharp decline in milk production.
- Young Animals: High mortality in calves and piglets often occurs due to myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
Human Health Impact
- Not Zoonotic: FMD does not pose a risk to human health and is distinct from the human "Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease" (HFMD).
- Economic Threat: The primary threat to humans is economic, due to international trade bans on meat and dairy from affected regions.
Control and Eradication (India's NADCP)
- Target: The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) aims to control FMD by 2025 through 100% vaccination and achieve full eradication by 2030.
- Identification: Animals are tracked using ear-tagging and details are uploaded to the INAPH (Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health) portal.
- Strategy: Includes mass vaccination of the entire susceptible population at six-monthly intervals.
Economic Impact
- Trade Restrictions: FMD-free countries instantly ban imports from infected zones.
- National Loss: A major outbreak can cost billions in lost exports, compensation for culled animals, and vaccination expenses.
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