Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has administered more than 2.72 million  doses of vaccine for the livestock in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain as part of a major immunisation drive.

ADFCA said the 'Cattle are a blessing and Let us Protect Them through Immunization' campaign which began in September is set to continue till the end of April next year.

The immunization campaign, currently in its third phase, is aimed at preventing the spread of foot and mouth disease, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and sheep and goat pox.

The drive is being held under the aegis of the live stock sector at ADFCA in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.

A total number of 503,603 doses were administered against the CCPP disease, 1,122,195 doses against foot and mouth disease and 1,103,459 doses against PPR disease.

These campaigns focus on key aspects of sustainable livestock production in Abu Dhabi, such as increasing and improving the local production of livestock, breeding and genetic strains and other matters related to animal wealth, said a top official.

Saeed Jasem Mohamed, acting director of communication and community service, said “ADFCA is putting all its efforts in supporting livestock, preventing and monitoring diseases and controlling proliferation."

"This is achieved through campaigns and prevention programs such as immunization campaign for animals against epidemic diseases, which aims to raise the animals’ immunity and prevent infection”

Also, veterinary clinics implemented the spraying campaign at the ranches in September and November to get rid of external parasites that infect animals and cause transmission of disease, said Mohamed.

This process will also take place during the months of April and May 2012, he added.

According to him, ADFCA’s veterinary staff will provide medical advice and guidance for livestock breeders and stakeholders in order to raise their awareness.-TradeArabia News Service