ITANAGAR, 23 Sep: Animal husbandry, veterinary & dairy development (AHV&DD) minister Gabriel D. Wangsu took stock of the prevailing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation among mithuns in Dibang Valley district.

While reviewing the FMD situation in Dibang Valley and assessing the department's preparedness to contain the outbreak during an emergency review meeting here on Wednesday, the minister directed the AHV&DD secretary to closely monitor the situation on a daily basis and ensure that all necessary measures are taken promptly at the field level.

During the meeting, the minister directed the department to immediately deploy two expert Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to the affected areas, in addition to the existing team working in the field. The teams will be equipped with adequate medicines, logistics, disinfectants, diagnostic support and mobility arrangements.

The teams have been tasked with supporting the district authorities in disease investigation, treatment, sample collection, containment and field-level response, an official release said.

Emphasising the importance of early detection and community participation, Wangsu also directed the department to step up 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 other preventive measures," the minister said. He also directed that ring vaccination be taken up in the identified areas to create a protective buffer around affected locations and prevent further spread of the disease.

Wangsu also called for close coordination among the department, district administration, field veterinarians, PRI members and livestock owners to contain FMD. He directed the officers to maintain close field surveillance and ensure timely reporting of the disease situation so that necessary interventions can be taken without delay.

The minister also directed the department to make advance preparations for the 8th round of FMD vaccination, scheduled to be undertaken across the state during December 2026-January 2027. He emphasised that every effort should be made to achieve 100% vaccination coverage of eligible livestock across Arunachal Pradesh, with particular attention to remote and difficult-to-reach areas.