HARIPUR, May 13: The department of livestock and dairy development has started vaccination of livestock in the district to prevent the spread of animal diseases, officials said here on Thursday.

The vaccination campaign, being funded by the Barani Area Development Project, would continue till May 20. Teams of vaccinators have been asked to cover maximum population of the cattle.

During the first phase of the vaccination campaign, the veterinary staff would distribute free medicines among the poor farmers. The second phase would start in June, the officials said.

The veterinary staff was also asked to motivate the farmers for vaccination of the livestock so that dairy and poultry industry could flourish in the district. The department has also planned to hold a three-day workshop for women on May 17 in order to train them in poultry and dairy development and to equip them to handle minor livestock diseases, the officials revealed.