ANINI, 16 Aug: A Government of India team and Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are conducting treatment, surveillance and containment operations in Dibang Valley district to control the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) among mithuns.
A Government of India team, led by Joint Commissioner Dr VK Teotia arrived on 13 August and conducted extensive field visits on 14 and 15 August, covering Acheso, Angrim Valley, Aropo up to Chegu Camp, Mipi Circle, Maro, 9 Kilo and Matu Camp. The team interacted with mithun owners, GBs and PRI leaders, treated infected animals, distributed medicines and collected samples from Mithun, pigs and goats. Post-mortem examinations were also conducted.
The team visited the ITBP camp at Acheso, where it interacted with the Officer-in-Charge, collected blood samples from goats and provided guidance on disease epidemiology, biosecurity and public health. The team also inspected the District Veterinary Office, Veterinary Dispensary and CBF, Anini.
On 8 August, a Rapid Response Team from Itanagar reached Anini with medicines, following which three RRTs were constituted and deployed.
On 11 August, the DIO, Tezu, arrived with medicines and began field visits, epidemiological assessment and sample collection.
MLA Mopi Mihu provided medicines and logistical assistance, interacted with the visiting GOI and RRT teams, and assured all possible support to the department in the interest of farmers and mithun owners.
Dibang Valley ZPC Sadhu Mihu and Acheso-Angrim Valley ZPM Eta Mihu, accompanied the team during field visits, facilitated interactions with Mithun owners and extended support to the veterinary teams.
The GOI team departed Anini on 16 August with collected samples and specimens for further laboratory examination.
As per DVO Dr D Riba, the RRTs will continue to remain stationed in Anini until the situation subsides, with fresh teams to be deployed if required.
The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department has reiterated that FMD vaccination is conducted every six months, twice a year, and vaccination remains the key preventive measure against the disease. Livestock and Mithun owners have been urged to cooperate with vaccination drives, promptly report suspected cases and follow recommended biosecurity and animal-waste disposal practices.
"Timely vaccination, community cooperation and responsible livestock management remain crucial to preventing further spread of FMD and protecting the livelihoods of farmers and Mithun owners across Dibang Valley," the department said. DIPRO
