Itanagar, Sep 23: Gabriel D Wangsu, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development (AHV&DD), convened an emergency meeting to review the prevailing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) situation in Dibang Valley district and assess the preparedness of the Department to contain the outbreak. Taking serious note of the situation, the Minister directed the Secretary, AHV&DD, to closely monitor the disease situation on a daily basis and ensure that all necessary measures are taken promptly at the field level.
The Minister directed the Department to immediately deploy two expert Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to the affected areas in addition to the existing team working in the field, equipped with adequate medicines, logistics, disinfectants, diagnostic support and mobility arrangements. The teams have been tasked with supporting the district authorities in disease investigation, treatment, sample collection, containment and field-level response.
Emphasizing the importance of early detection and community participation, Wangsu also directed the Department to step up awareness campaigns, public interaction and village-level disease monitoring. Farmers and livestock owners are to be sensitized on early reporting of suspected cases, movement restrictions, biosecurity and other preventive measures. He further directed that ring vaccination be taken up in the identified areas to create a protective buffer around affected locations and prevent further spread of the disease.
Wangsu stressed that containment of FMD requires close coordination between the Department, district administration, field veterinarians, PRI members and livestock owners. He directed the officers to maintain close field surveillance and ensure timely reporting of the disease situation so that necessary interventions can be taken without delay.
Looking beyond the present outbreak, the Minister also directed the Department to make advance preparations for the 8th round of FMD vaccination, scheduled to be undertaken across the State during December 2026–January 2027. He emphasized that every effort should be made to achieve 100% vaccination coverage of eligible livestock across Arunachal Pradesh, with particular attention to remote and difficult-to-reach areas.
Wangsu reiterated that a coordinated and timely response, backed by strong field surveillance, vaccination and community participation, is essential to protect the State’s livestock resources and safeguard the livelihood of farmers and livestock owners.

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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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