ANINI, 21 Sep: The Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development Department has intensified treatment and preventive measures to contain the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among mithuns in Dibang Valley district.
According to district AH & Veterinary Officer Dr Dammo Riba, the disease was first reported during the last week of July. 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 20 September, 21 villages have been affected, with 1,402 mithuns reported affected. Of these, 1,225 have been treated, while 267 deaths have been reported.
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 is undertaking necessary measures to contain the disease and safeguard the livestock population of Dibang Valley. (DIPRO)
