Stalin asks GoI to expedite FMD vaccine supply

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin has urged the union government to expedite the supply of FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) vaccine to the state to avert the outbreak of the disease and consequent economic hardship to the farmers.

In his demi official letter to the union animal husbandry minister, Stalin drew the union government’s attention to the urgent requirement for FMD vaccine in the state and said, “Timely availability of vaccines is essential to maintain herd immunity among the susceptible cattle population and to prevent the occurrence of FMD and subsequent economic loss to the farmers.”

Pointing out that the State vaccinated the eligible cattle at six-month intervals from 2011 till 2019 and the vaccines cater to approximately 94 lakh cattle and buffaloes in Tamil Nadu, the CM said, “The next round of FMD vaccination in Tamil Nadu is due in September 2022.” Stating that Tamil Nadu has constantly been requesting the Government of India to supply 90 lakh vaccines in a single instalment since June 2022, Stalin said, “We are still waiting to receive the vaccine doses. Therefore, I request your intervention to expedite the supply of FMD vaccine to Tamil Nadu so that the outbreak of FMD and consequent economic hardship to the farmers can be averted.”

Noting that about 87.03 lakh eligible cattle and buffaloes were vaccinated against FMD with the supply of vaccine doses from the GoI under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for FMD rolled out in February 2020, he said that even during the previous round of vaccination in September 2021, the supply of vaccine doses was staggered. Tamil Nadu could complete the vaccination only in six months due to this staggered supply, which is not in line with the FMD vaccination protocol.