Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, posing a significant threat to livestock production and the rural economy globally. In India, FMD is endemic, causing substantial economic losses annually due to reduced milk production, livestock mortality, and trade restrictions. The disease has been a recurring challenge, despite the implementation of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) in 2019. This answer will examine the current control strategy for FMD in India, analyzing its effectiveness and outlining the inherent limitations that hinder complete eradication. Understanding these limitations is vital to formulating a more robust and sustainable control program.
Current Control Strategy for Foot and Mouth Disease in India
India's strategy to combat FMD revolves around a multi-pronged approach, primarily focusing on vaccination, movement control, disease surveillance, and biosecurity measures. Key components include:
- Vaccination: This is the cornerstone of the control program. India utilizes a polyvalent inactivated vaccine protecting against serotypes O, A, and Asia 1. The NADCP aims for 100% vaccination coverage of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs in endemic areas.
- Movement Control: Quarantine zones are established in affected areas to restrict animal movement and prevent further spread. Movement permits are required for animals moving between districts.
- Disease Surveillance: A network of veterinary officers and field staff conducts surveillance to detect outbreaks early. This includes clinical observation, laboratory testing, and reporting.
- Biosecurity Measures: Farmers are encouraged to adopt biosecurity practices such as foot baths, disinfection of vehicles, and isolation of sick animals.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns are conducted to educate farmers about FMD prevention and control measures.
Limitations of the Current Control Strategy
Despite ongoing efforts, FMD remains a persistent challenge in India. Several limitations hinder the effectiveness of the current control strategy:
1. Vaccine-Related Challenges
- Serotype Variation: The vaccine covers only three serotypes (O, A, Asia 1). India has recorded several other serotypes (e.g., Asia 2, Europe 1), rendering the vaccine ineffective against them. This necessitates a reactive approach with costly, serotype-specific vaccines.
- Vaccine Efficacy: Vaccine efficacy is influenced by factors such as animal age, immune status, and vaccine storage conditions. Improper storage, particularly in rural areas with limited cold chain infrastructure, can compromise efficacy.
- Antibody Waning: Immunity conferred by the vaccine wanes over time, requiring booster doses. Inadequate booster coverage contributes to disease recurrence.
2. Logistical and Operational Challenges
- Coverage Gaps: Achieving 100% vaccination coverage remains difficult due to logistical constraints, particularly in remote and hilly areas.
- Vaccine Distribution: Inefficient vaccine distribution networks lead to delays and shortages in some regions.
- Farmer Compliance: Lack of awareness, apathy, and financial constraints sometimes limit farmer participation in vaccination and biosecurity programs.
3. Economic and Social Factors
- High Cost: The FMD control program is expensive, placing a burden on state governments and farmers.
- Movement Restrictions: Movement restrictions disrupt trade and livelihoods, causing economic hardship for farmers.
- Cross-Border Transmission: FMD frequently spreads across borders from neighboring countries, making complete eradication difficult.
4. Diagnostic and Surveillance Limitations
- Limited Diagnostic Capacity: While diagnostic labs exist, their capacity and accessibility are limited, particularly in rural areas.
- Underreporting: Farmers often underreport outbreaks due to fear of movement restrictions and economic losses.
Table: Comparison of FMD Control Strategies - India vs. Other Countries
| Country | Control Strategy | Success Rate | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Vaccination, Movement Control, Surveillance | Moderate (Recurrent outbreaks) | Serotype variation, Vaccine efficacy, Logistical challenges |
| Australia | Indemnified Vaccination (ceased in 2013), Movement Control, Enhanced Biosecurity | High (Disease eradicated) | High costs, Strict biosecurity measures |
| New Zealand | Movement Control, Biosecurity, Limited Vaccination | High (Disease eradicated) | Strict import regulations, High monitoring costs |
Case Study: The 2023 FMD Outbreak in Rajasthan
In 2023, Rajasthan experienced a severe FMD outbreak, impacting thousands of livestock. The outbreak was attributed to a new circulating serotype, highlighting the limitations of the existing polyvalent vaccine. The rapid spread was also linked to inadequate biosecurity measures and delayed reporting. The event underscored the need for more robust surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and adaptive vaccination strategies.
Scheme: National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
Launched in 2019, NADCP aims to control major animal diseases, including FMD, in India. It focuses on vaccination, surveillance, and awareness generation. The program aims to achieve a 100% vaccination coverage rate for FMD and reduce its impact on livestock production.
Conclusion
The control strategy for FMD in India, while comprehensive in its design, faces significant limitations primarily due to serotype variation, logistical challenges, and farmer compliance issues. A shift towards more adaptive and innovative approaches is crucial. This includes incorporating advanced diagnostic techniques for rapid serotype identification, developing vaccines targeting a broader range of serotypes, strengthening surveillance networks, and fostering greater farmer participation through targeted awareness campaigns and financial incentives. A One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives, is essential for long-term FMD control and prevention in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.