Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) caused 16 deer deaths in Pune Zoo, highlighting the need for strong veterinary surveillance and vaccination drives.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Confirmed in Pune Zoo Deer Deaths

Syllabus: Environment, Animal Husbandry, Public Health (Prelims)
Source: Indian Express

Context

Sixteen spotted deer (chitals) at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune died due to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), prompting authorities to urgently review animal health protocols and epidemic preparedness.

What is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as:

Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, and deer
It leads to fever, blisters, lameness, and significantly reduces milk yield and productivity, causing major economic losses.

Zoonotic Concern

Not transmissible to humans
Not a food safety risk

Transmission & Symptoms

Transmission:
- Through direct contact, contaminated feed, equipment, vehicles, or even airborne particles
Hosts:
- Domestic animals and wild species like spotted deer
Incubation Period: 2–14 days
Symptoms:
- High fever (2–3 days)
- Painful blisters on mouth, hooves, and teats
- Excessive salivation, lameness
- Reduced milk production, abortion, infertility

Diagnosis

Confirmed via lab testing at authorised institutions such as:
- ICAR-NIFMD, Bhubaneswar
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly
- NIVEDI, Bengaluru

Government Interventions

National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

Launched: 2019
Funding: 100% centrally funded
Objective: Eradicate FMD and Brucellosis by 2030

Key Components:

Mass vaccination of livestock
Ear-tagging for traceability
Disease surveillance and outbreak monitoring
Cold chain infrastructure for vaccine storage
Awareness campaigns for farmers

Supporting Programmes:

Integrated with Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)
Backed by ICAR institutes for R&D, diagnostics, and reporting

Conclusion

The recent FMD outbreak in Pune Zoo highlights the urgent need for robust veterinary disease surveillance and timely vaccination. As FMD poses a threat to both domestic livestock and wildlife, effective implementation of schemes like NADCP is crucial for safeguarding animal health, livelihoods, and India’s livestock economy.