FMD and Gala Ghotu Vaccination: What Every Livestock Farmer in Jharkhand Must Know

For farmers in Jharkhand, the months leading up to the monsoon are the most critical for livestock health. Two diseases — Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Gala Ghotu (Haemorrhagic Septicaemia) — claim thousands of cattle and buffalo every year, often striking before a farmer realises something is wrong. Timely vaccination is the single most effective way to protect your animals.

What Is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?

FMD is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. It spreads rapidly through direct contact, shared water, contaminated equipment, and even the wind. Infected animals develop painful blisters on the mouth, tongue, feet, and teats. Milk production drops sharply, animals refuse to eat, and young calves can die suddenly from heart muscle damage. There is no cure — only supportive treatment. Vaccination is the only reliable protection.

Gala Ghotu, caused by Pasteurella multocida, is a bacterial disease that kills cattle and buffalo within 24-48 hours of onset. Symptoms include sudden high fever, swelling in the throat and neck, heavy drooling, and severe breathing difficulty. During monsoon season, when animals are stressed, wet, and crowded in sheds, the bacteria spread easily.

During June–September, animals graze on wet pastures, share muddy water sources, and are kept in poorly ventilated sheds. These conditions are ideal for both FMD virus and Pasteurella bacteria to thrive. Vaccinating before monsoon — ideally in April or May — gives immune systems enough time to build full protection before the high-risk period begins.

FMD: First dose at 4 months age | Booster 1 month after first dose | Ongoing: every 6 months

Gala Ghotu (HS): First dose at 6 months age | No booster | Ongoing: once yearly, 15-20 days before monsoon

Important guidelines:

Vaccinate only healthy animals — never vaccinate an animal with fever.

Keep vaccines refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C at all times.

Use clean, sterile needles for every animal.

Pregnant cattle should be vaccinated only under veterinary guidance.

Schedule Your Livestock Vaccination Now

Rohit Veterinary House offers FMD and Gala Ghotu vaccination for cattle and buffalo in Lohardaga and surrounding areas of Jharkhand.

Call: +91-88094-26652 | rohitveterinary.com | app.rohitveterinary.com