Foot-and-Mouth disease outbreak alarms breeders in upper reaches of Tral
Officials assure swift response, say situation under control
Pulwama: A sudden outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) among cattle in the upper reaches of Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has sparked concern among livestock breeders, who say the infection has severely affected their animals, causing loss of milk production and economic strain.
Locals from several villages including Nagbal, Aripal, Satoora, Batagund, and Naristan said that over the past few days, a large number of cattle have developed symptoms such as mouth ulcers, excessive drooling, and difficulty in walking due to lesions on their hooves.
“We are extremely worried. Several of our sheeps have stopped eating and are unable to move properly. For many families here, dairy farming is the only source of income, and this outbreak has hit us badly,” said Ghulam Nabi Dar, a cattle breeder from Aripal.
Another local, Abdul Rashid Bhat from Satoora, said the disease appears to be spreading fast despite local efforts to isolate infected animals. “We have tried to separate the sick cattle and disinfect the sheds, but new cases are emerging every day. We appeal to the animal and sheep husbandry department to intensify vaccination and provide necessary medicines,” he added.
When contacted, an official from the Animal Husbandry Department Tral confirmed that cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease have been reported from the upper belt but assured that the situation is being closely monitored.
“Teams have already been dispatched to the affected areas. We have provided veterinary aid, and vaccination drives are being conducted in nearby villages to prevent further spread,” the official said, adding that “the situation is under control and there is no need to panic.”
Experts from the department said that FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats. While the disease is rarely fatal in adults, it causes severe economic losses due to decreased milk yield, weight loss, and infertility in animals.
Veterinarians have urged breeders to maintain hygiene in cattle sheds, disinfect equipment, and avoid movement of animals from infected to healthy herds.
“Timely vaccination and isolation of infected animals are crucial to containing the outbreak,” said Dr. Farooq Ahmad, a veterinary officer posted in Tral.
Meanwhile, the department has assured that follow-up visits will continue in the coming days and that all affected animals are being treated.
