Anini, Sep 21: The Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development has intensified treatment and preventive measures to contain the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) among Mithuns in Dibang Valley district.
According to Dr Dammo Riba, District A.H. & Veterinary Officer, the disease was first reported during the last week of July this year. Following reports of mortality, veterinary teams were mobilised with medicines and sample-collection kits, while a subject-expert team from the Government of India also visited the affected areas. Laboratory examination by the National Institute of Foot and Mouth Disease (NIFMD), Odisha, subsequently confirmed FMD serotype ‘O’.
As per the departmental status report dated September 20, 21 villages have been affected, with 1,402 Mithuns reported affected. Of these, 1,225 have been treated, while 267 deaths have occurred.
At present, a four-member Rapid Response Team (RRT), along with local veterinary personnel, is actively engaged in treatment, surveillance and awareness activities across the affected areas. Dr Riba appreciated the State Government and the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development for providing additional manpower and adequate medicines to strengthen the district’s response to the outbreak.
Dr Riba further stated that the Department maintains detailed livestock records, including household-, individual- and village-wise data of Mithuns and cattle. He urged that figures relating to livestock population and mortality be verified with official departmental records to avoid dissemination of inaccurate or misleading information.
Emphasising vaccination as a key preventive measure against FMD, he appealed to livestock owners to extend full cooperation during the Department’s free routine vaccination drives conducted twice a year at farmers’ doorsteps.
The Department continues to closely monitor the situation and undertake necessary measures to contain the disease and safeguard the livestock population of Dibang Valley.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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