PRAYAGRAJ, July 12 -- With the monsoon and the approaching flood season heightening the risk of infectious diseases, the animal husbandry department has intensified a district-wide vaccination campaign to protect cattle and buffaloes from seasonal outbreaks. Chief veterinary officer (CVO) Dr Shivnath Yadav said the drive is being conducted under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) and the state animal husbandry department. The initiative aims to immunise bovine livestock against major infectious diseases, with free vaccinations available at all 49 veterinary hospitals and through door-to-door visits in villages. The campaign against Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS), locally known as Galghotu, began in May and is scheduled to continue until July 15. To date, nearly 736,000 cattle and buffaloes have been vaccinated against the disease. The next phase, focusing on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), will begin on July 22 and span 45 days. The district has received 920,000 doses of the FMD vaccine, and officials aim to achieve full coverage of eligible livestock. Vaccination against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is slated for August, starting in villages along state borders where the risk of transmission is highest. In addition to bovine efforts, the department has administered approximately 11,500 doses of the Classical Swine Fever vaccine to pigs. Vaccination against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) for goats has yet to commence. According to the livestock census, Prayagraj recorded roughly 1.3 million cattle and buffaloes in 2020, while the latest enumeration places the bovine population at approximately 890,000. To ensure maximum coverage, the department deployed 39 veterinarians and 311 para-veterinary personnel to centers, supported by livestock extension officers and vaccinators conducting doorstep immunisations. A fleet of 39 mobile veterinary vans has also been pressed into service. Officials noted that intensive vaccination drives are underway in all development blocks. Following vaccination, each animal is fitted with a plastic ear tag to establish a unique digital identity. Details are then uploaded to the Bharat Pashudhan app, allowing authorities to maintain digital health records and monitor disease control measures more effectively....