Question

Recommended age at first dose of FMD vaccination in cattle and buffalo should be.

• A. 6 months & above
• B. 4 months & above
• C. 1 month & above
• D. 9 months & above

Hint:

To prevent maternal antibody interference, most major viral vaccines in calves (such as FMD and HS) are administered starting at 4 months of age.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
Vaccination protocols are designed around the decay of maternal antibodies to ensure optimal vaccine efficacy without immune interference.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Maternally derived antibodies (delivered via colostrum) protect young calves from FMD, but they can interfere with the active immune response to vaccines administered too early.
These maternal antibodies gradually decline, reaching levels that allow for effective active immunization at around 3 to 4 months of age.
According to national vaccination guidelines (such as those under India's National Animal Disease Control Programme - NADCP):
- The primary (first) dose of FMD vaccine is recommended for calves at 4 months of age and above.
- A booster dose is administered 1 month after the primary dose.
- Revaccination is carried out at 6-month intervals.

Step 4: Final Answer
The recommended age for the first dose of FMD vaccination in cattle and buffalo is 4 months and above.