Foot and mouth disease is caused by virus seen in all cloven footed animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep and pig. It is an economically important global disease having more morbidity in affected animals. Thus, Government of India is regularly investing in mass vaccination and controlling the disease throughout the country. The 16th Round FMDCP vaccination programme is carried out from 14th October -10th November 2019 throughout the Kodagu district by the Department of AH&VS. ICAR-KVK, Gonikoppal is also participating in this mass vaccination programme. The FMDCP vaccination programme was inaugurated on 14th October 2019 at Chembebellur village of Virajpet taluk by local Zilla Panchayath member Mr. Shashi Subramani and in his inaugural address he appealed the farmers to get their animals vaccinated against this disease.

During the inaugural session Dr.Suresh S.C, SMS(Livestock) gave a brief talk about the importance of FMD and its control by vaccination. Dr. A.B Thimmaiah, Deputy Director (Incharge), Dept. of AH and VS, Madikeri briefed about the facilities available by the department for the farmers. Dr. A.S. Shantesh, C.V.O, V.H, Virajpet, Dr. Latha, C.V.O, V.H, Virajpet and Dr. Sunil, V.O, V.D, Kadanga were also present at the programme. About 178 animals were vaccinated during the programme.