Over 57 lakh livestock to be vaccinated against hemorrhagic septicemia in Punjab

Chandigarh, Jul 8 (PTI) The Punjab government has rolled out a statewide vaccination drive against hemorrhagic septicemia to immunise 57.70 lakh cattle and buffaloes across the state to protect the livestock during the peak monsoon season. Giving details of the immunisation drive, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said on Wednesday that the department has set a target to immunise 57,70,979 animals by July 30. He said 16,49,598 livestock have already been vaccinated across the state. It reflects the state government's commitment to disease prevention during the monsoon, he added, according to an official statement. ​ Khudian said, "Timely vaccination is the most effective shield against this fatal infection, which spreads rapidly during the rainy season. Punjab Government is fully committed to protecting the livelihood of the livestock farmers and the backbone of Punjab's rural economy." He appealed to the livestock owners to immediately contact their nearest government veterinary institutions and get their animals vaccinated without any delay. ​He further said that the campaign is being executed through the state's extensive network of civil veterinary hospitals and veterinary dispensaries, where the HS vaccine is readily available. ​ The department has strengthened cold-chain logistics and deployed special rapid-response teams to ensure maximum coverage, particularly in high-risk and flood-prone areas. ​Haemorrhagic septicaemia is a major disease among cattle and buffaloes characterised by an acute, highly fatal septicaemia with high morbidity and mortality. PTI SUN SHM