Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 8 Aug: The Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development (AHV&DD) Department on Saturday confirmed the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) - a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as mithun, cattle, buffalo, pigs, sheep, goats, etc - in Arunachal Pradesh.
In a press statement, the department informed that,among the most affected districts are Dibang Valley, East Kameng, Pakke-Kessang, and Papum Pare.
It is learnt that more than 200 cases were reported in Dibang Valley district, where sizeable mithun mortality has been reported in Acheso, Angrim Valley, Aropo and Gipulin villages of the district.
Similarly, in East Kameng district, sporadic cases of FMD were reported in Chayang Tajo, Pipu, Gyawepurang, Sapapu and Papu Valley administrative circles.
In Pakke-Kessang district, a few cases were reported in Pijeriang circle.
In Papum Pare district, Banderdewa and Sagalee circles have also reported cases. Mortality in these three districts is reported to be limited.
The disease causes fever, blisters on the mouth and feet, excessive salivation, lameness and reduced productivity, resulting in economic losses. Timely vaccination remains the key measure for prevention.
The government communication also noted that sporadic cases in East Kameng, Pakke-Kessang and Papum Pare are currently under control,following field interventions and supportive treatment.
The department informed that it has intensified field operations by providing essential medicines, technical manpower, and veterinary support in the affected districts.
A team, comprising Tezu Disease Investigating Officer Dr Navjeevan Taloh, Nirjuli Veterinary Officer Dr Bharat Koyu, and Lower Dibang Valley stockmen Ralki Lego and Asmey Milli, reportedly reached Dibang Valley on 8 August with medicines and sampling materials to support the district's veterinary team in controlling the outbreak.
It further informed that special rapid response teams are also working in accordance with the prescribed standard operating procedures. Samples are being collected from affected animals for laboratory examination, while surveillance and monitoring have been strengthened across the affected districts, particularly in the border areas.
The department further stated that the situation in Dibang Valley requires particular attention as the district shares an international border. The authorities are investigating the source of infection and assessing the possibility of any transboundary introduction of the disease.
It is also learnt that the state government has sought the deployment of a multidisciplinary team from the National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, for detailed epidemiological investigation, field assessment, sample testing, and identification of the circulating FMD virus strain and serotype.
The preliminary field observations indicate that the affected mithuns had not been vaccinated during the seventh round of FMD vaccination conducted from 1 May to 19 June, 2026.
The state achieved 89 per cent vaccination coverage during the round, and observations so far indicate that vaccinated animals have remained free from the disease.
Farmers across the state have been advised to remain vigilant, isolate affected animals, cooperate with veterinary teams during vaccination, safely restrain livestock when required, and immediately report any suspected symptoms or illness to the nearest veterinary staff. They have also been urged to vaccinate all eligible cloven-hoofed animals during the eighth round of FMD vaccination scheduled for December 2026.
The immediate priority is to contain the outbreak in Dibang Valley, strengthen surveillance across the state, and establish the source and strain of the infection. The department has called upon livestock owners to remain alert and report any disease or unusual illness in their animals promptly, so that necessary action can be taken without delay.
