PRAYAGRAJ, July 27 -- The monsoon season, often marked by heavy rainfall and flooding, poses serious health risks for livestock, particularly cattle and buffaloes. In response, the livestock department has launched an intensive vaccination campaign to curb the spread of seasonal diseases. With the onset of rains in Prayagraj, the department has significantly stepped up its preventive measures. Chief veterinary officer (CVO) Dr SN Yadav said that a district-wide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination drive has been initiated under the National Disease Control Program. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. "All cattle in the district are being covered under this initiative," Dr Yadav said. A total of 1.225 million FMD vaccine doses have been made available, with a goal to vaccinate all eligible animals within 45 days. As of July 24, over 50,000 doses have already been administered, he added. Prayagraj district is home to approximately 1.3 million cattle and buffaloes. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the department has deployed 33 mobile units to conduct door-to-door vaccinations. Dr Yadav added that the campaign is being carried out across all 23 development blocks in the district. In addition to FMD, the department has administered approximately 913,000 doses for Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS)-a serious bacterial infection in cattle and buffaloes-and 372,000 doses for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats. District officials claim that the campaign has already achieved 100% of its targeted vaccinations. Following each vaccination, animal data is being registered and uploaded to the 'Bharat Pashudhan' mobile application, ensuring proper tracking and monitoring. Veterinary experts warn that the combination of high humidity, stagnant water, and unhygienic conditions during the monsoon creates ideal breeding grounds for disease-causing pathogens and parasites. "Apart from FMD, HS, and PPR, livestock are also at increased risk of parasitic infections, mastitis, and respiratory illnesses during this season," Dr Yadav noted. Farmers are being advised to maintain cleanliness in cattle sheds, ensure proper drainage, and report any unusual symptoms in their animals promptly to local veterinary officers....