ITANAGAR, SEP 23:

Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development (AHV&DD) Minister Gabriel D Wangsu reviewed the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) situation in Dibang Valley district at an emergency meeting and directed the department to take immediate measures to contain the outbreak.

Wangsu directed the AHV&DD Secretary to monitor the situation daily and ensure prompt implementation of necessary measures at the field level. He ordered deployment of two additional expert Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to affected areas alongside the existing field team.

The teams will be equipped with medicines, logistics, disinfectants, diagnostic support and mobility arrangements and will assist district authorities in disease investigation, treatment, sample collection, containment and field-level response.

The minister directed the department to intensify awareness campaigns, public interaction and village-level disease monitoring. Farmers and livestock owners are to be sensitised on early reporting of suspected cases, movement restrictions, biosecurity and preventive measures.

He also directed that ring vaccination be undertaken in identified areas to create a protective buffer around affected locations and prevent further spread.

Wangsu stressed the need for close coordination among the department, district administration, field veterinarians, PRI members and livestock owners. He directed officials to maintain field surveillance and ensure timely reporting for prompt intervention.

He also directed the department to begin preparations for the eighth round of FMD vaccination, scheduled across the State during December 2026-January 2027, with the objective of achieving 100 per cent vaccination coverage of eligible livestock, particularly in remote and difficult-to-reach areas.

Wangsu said timely and coordinated response, backed by surveillance, vaccination and community participation, was essential to protect the State’s livestock resources and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and livestock owners.