PPR vaccination in goats and sheep to begin in mid-October in Kerala

The Animal Husbandry department in Kerala will be launching a Statewide vaccination campaign against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), also known as sheep and goat plague, by mid-October. Over 13.5 lakh goats and 1,500 sheep will be vaccinated for free by Assistant Field Officers and Livestock Inspectors under the supervision of veterinary doctors. Farmers are advised to register their animals at the nearest veterinary hospital before the campaign begins. This initiative is part of the all-India PPR Eradication Programme with the goal of eliminating the disease from the country by 2030. The vaccination details will be uploaded on the national Bharat Pashudhan portal. PPR is a highly contagious disease that affects both domestic and wild small ruminants, with more severe symptoms in goats.