**3. Literacy and its impact in the epidemiology of FMD in India**

As per the population census in 2011, the literacy rate of India is 74.0% (females: 65.5% and males: 82.1%). Though gap in literacy rate is heading downwards from 21.6% in 2001 to 16.6% in 2011, there are larger variations in literacy rates in males and females among various states [15]. Illiteracy is also one of the impeding factors for personnel in livestock sector to be informed about the various activities undertaken by the central and state agencies and act upon in the event of the outbreak of the disease [16]. Though, India is implementing various educational schemes (Education to all), it is hoped that the next census will reflect improvement in literacy rates. It will help the country in respect to spreading awareness about the disease and formulation of better prevention and control strategies.
