FMD can be transmitted through direct contact with sick animals and through the air. Compulsory vaccination must be administered to all cattle. It takes 14-21 days to achieve immunity after the first preventative injection. The vaccination will not affect milk production.
Cattle infected with the disease require special care. The shed, its surroundings, and utensils must be disinfected daily. Fodder, manure, and other items should not be transported from FMD-affected areas to cattle. Newly purchased cows should be observed for up to three weeks to ensure they are disease-free before being kept with other cows.
Clean the shed and surroundings by dissolving 40 grams of washing soda (Alakukaram) in one liter of water. Disinfection should be performed using either 4% washing soda/acetic acid (vinegar)/2% sodium hydroxide/3% sodium hypochlorite. Wash and clean the lesions in the mouth and on the feet twice a day with a disinfectant. Apply a boric acid – glycerine/honey paste on the mouth ulcers and antiseptic ointment on the feet. Treatment should be provided only as per the veterinarian’s instructions. Feed the cattle easily digestible food and tender grass with low fiber content. Do not let domestic animals graze in open areas or places where animals for slaughter are tied. Animals that die from the disease must be scientifically buried or incinerated. The veterinary hospital must be informed immediately upon detecting the disease. The movement of cattle must be controlled in the suspected area and adjacent panchayats. Cattle exhibitions and markets should be avoided. Cattle feed should be provided in liquid form. The District Animal Husbandry Officer also advised the regular use of fly repellents and the inclusion of chelated mineral mixture powder and vitamins along with treatment to boost immunity. ( kerala News.gov)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
