Joint teams of the Centre and Arunachal Pradesh government have intensified measures to contain an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) among livestock in Dibang Valley, officials said on Sunday.
The State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), district administration and a central team are carrying out treatment, surveillance, sample collection and other disease-control measures in affected areas.
According to District Veterinary Officer Dr D Riba, an RRT from Itanagar reached Anini on August 8 with medicines and supplies. Three dedicated RRTs were subsequently deployed across the affected areas.
A central team led by Joint Commissioner Dr VK Teotia arrived on August 13 and conducted field assessments on August 14 and 15 in Acheso, Angrim Valley, Aropo up to Chegu Camp, Mipi Circle, Maro, 9 Kilo and Matu Camp. The team met Mithun owners, village headmen and Panchayati Raj Institution representatives during the visits.
Infected animals were treated, medicines distributed and diagnostic samples collected from Mithuns, pigs and goats. Post-mortem examinations were also conducted. Blood samples were collected from goats at an Indo-Tibetan Border Police camp in Acheso, where personnel were also briefed on disease epidemiology, biosecurity and public health safeguards.
The teams also inspected the District Veterinary Office, Veterinary Dispensary and Cattle Breeding Farm in Anini. Anini MLA Mopi Mihu provided medicines and logistical support and assured administrative assistance to protect the livelihoods of farmers and Mithun owners.
The central team left Anini on Sunday with the collected samples and specimens for advanced laboratory examination. Dr Riba said the RRTs would remain in the district until the outbreak was fully contained, with additional teams to be deployed if necessary.
The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department said FMD vaccination is administered twice a year and remains the primary measure to prevent the disease from spreading. Livestock and Mithun owners have been urged to cooperate with vaccination drives, report suspected infections promptly and follow recommended biosecurity and animal-waste disposal practices.
