Investigating the Efficacy of Vaccination Programs for Preventing Foot and Mouth Disease in Cattle: A Medical Perspective

Abstract

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) remains a major threat to global livestock health and agricultural productivity, particularly in regions with endemic circulation. This study evaluated the efficacy of vaccination programs in preventing FMD among cattle through a cohort analysis of 3,600 animals, comprising 2,400 vaccinated and 1,200 unvaccinated subjects. Over a 12-month surveillance period, vaccinated cattle exhibited a markedly lower FMD incidence rate (4.0%) compared to the unvaccinated group (26.0%). Having the longest-lasting protection, the trivalent A+O+Asia1 formulation was also shown to be the most successful vaccine.  After one year, Kaplan-Meier results revealed that 96% of the vaccinated cows did not have infections, while only 58% of the unvaccinated ones remained free from them.  Good handling and strong cold chain of multivalent vaccines were connected to a better chance for the vaccines to work well.  Unvaccinated status, inadequate cleaning, age greater than four years and a large number of animals in the herd were determined as major risk factors using logistic regression for getting FMD infection.  Farmers in underdeveloped areas said that difficulties such as vaccine fees, hard-to-get vets and lacking knowledge were also common.  Such issues with society and businesses made it harder for vaccine uptake and herd immunity.  In summary, vaccines are important for public health and especially those that have several vaccines given according to strict rules for keeping them.  Another way to control FMD better is by stressing the need for public involvement, more vet centers and better education.  A combination of vaccines, improved management and central policies better protects cows and herds of livestock, so vaccination plays the major role in protecting animals from FMD.