TAWANG, 3 Aug: In an initiative to safeguard the livelihoods of high-altitude pastoral communities, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development, Tawang district, in collaboration with the Indian Army, on Monday launched a foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccination drive for yaks in Dopokhar (Yangtse), situated at an altitude of 15,400 feet.

The three-day vaccination programme aims to protect nearly 300 yaks from FMD, a highly contagious livestock disease that poses a serious threat to the livelihood and economy of the Brokpa community, whose primary source of income and sustenance is yak rearing.

The programme was led by Jang SVO Dr Thupten Tashi and Lemberdung Veterinary Officer Dr Sang Khandu, along with a team of six officials from the department.

In addition to administering vaccines, the veterinary team distributed essential veterinary medicines to yak herders and provided treatment to several ailing animals during the field visit.

The Indian Army actively supported the vaccination campaign by assisting the veterinary team in conducting the programme under the challenging high-altitude conditions, demonstrating continued civil-military cooperation in promoting the welfare of remote border communities.

The vaccination drive will directly benefit eight yak herder families, including five families from Damteng and three families from Thingbu, helping ensure healthier livestock, improved productivity, and greater economic security for the Brokpa pastoralists.(DIPRO)