Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Minister Reports No Major Vet Disease Outbreak, Cites Ongoing Vaccination Efforts

Tamil Nadu’s animal husbandry ministry said there is no major outbreak of veterinary disease in the state, and vaccination camps continue regularly. Speaking after inspecting a veterinary hospital in Salem, Minister S. Kamali said medicines are supplied free to pet owners at state hospitals, so owners need not buy drugs elsewhere. She said records of recent veterinary camps were verified during the visit. The minister urged children to avoid bursting firecrackers near cattle during Deepavali to prevent stress and injuries. When asked about the death of 11 milch cows in Salem district, she said a bacterial infection is a possible cause and tests are underway to confirm. She denied any foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreak, noting that routine vaccination drives aim to protect livestock. The Veterinary College and Research Institute at Thalaivasal was reported to be functioning, but it has submitted a list of needs for extra infrastructure and staff; several vacancies will be filled soon. Kamali also dismissed reports of bird flu in Namakkal district, stating no chicken deaths have been linked to the disease. ## Context Veterinary disease surveillance in Tamil Nadu relies on regular inspections and free‑medicine schemes to keep livestock healthy. Vaccination camps are a standard tool to stop spread of contagious illnesses. During Deepavali, firecracker noise can distress animals, which is why officials warn against bursting them near cattle.