TAWANG : The Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development on Monday launched a three-day Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination drive for yaks at Dopokhar in Yangtse, situated at an altitude of 15,400 feet, to protect the livestock of the high-altitude Brokpa pastoral community.

The campaign, being conducted in collaboration with the Indian Army, aims to vaccinate nearly 300 yaks against the highly contagious disease, which poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of yak-herding communities

The programme is being led by Jang Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Thupten Tashi and Lemberdung Veterinary Officer Dr Sang Khandu, assisted by a six-member veterinary team.

Besides administering vaccines, the team distributed essential veterinary medicines to yak herders and provided treatment to several ailing animals during the field visit.

The Indian Army extended logistical and operational support to the campaign, assisting the veterinary team in carrying out the programme under challenging high-altitude conditions, reflecting continued civil-military cooperation in the welfare of remote border communities.

The vaccination drive will directly benefit eight yak-herding families, including five from Damteng and three from Thingbu, by helping ensure healthier livestock, improved productivity and greater livelihood security.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening animal healthcare services in remote and border areas through preventive healthcare, timely disease surveillance and collaborative initiatives aimed at safeguarding the district’s valuable livestock resources. (DIPR)