In a proactive move to safeguard the health of cattle against the threat of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Government’s Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries in Punjab, announced the initiation of a vaccination campaign for a comprehensive preventive measure with the goal to inoculate as many as 25 lakhs bovines.
Administration of Booster Doses and Cold Chain Management
While reviewing ongoing projects and functioning of the department at Punjab, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Additional Chief Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. Vikas Pratap, at Punjab Bhawan, underscored the significance of administering booster doses, specifically Goat Pox vaccine and shared that it is being repeated for the third time as a booster dose. The state government rolled out vaccination drive against LSD after its nation- wide outbreak. He also directed the officials to ensure smooth transportation and efficient maintenance of the cold chain for vaccines.
Promotion of Awareness among Livestock Farmers
Additionally, the minister highlighted the significance of raising and promoting awareness among livestock farmers about the pros of immunization drives and urged the administrative bodies and panchayats to actively collaborate and participate in this noble cause.
Ongoing Endeavors in Animal Husbandry
In his briefing, ACS Mr. Vikas Pratap apprised ongoing endeavours, including a deworming drive carried out across the state at a cost of around Rs 6.37 crore and the recent completion of a mass immunization drive against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Furthermore, medicines worth Rs 1.56 crore have been dispatched to Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries across the state to support disease prevention efforts.
Support and Coordination among Key Officials
The meeting, attended by key officials including Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Gursharanjit Singh Bedi, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University’s Director of Clinics Dr. S. S Randhawa, HOD Veterinary Medicine Dr Ashwani Kumar, Principal Scientist & Incharge Animal Diseases Research Centre Dr. M. S. Bal, Principal Scientist, Animal Diseases Research Centre Dr. Vishal Mahajan, Director Centre for One Health Dr. J S Bedi and districts officials of Animal Husbandry department reflects the concentrated efforts of the state government to protect its livestock from diseases.