267 mithuns die of foot-and-mouth disease in Arunachal's Dibang Valley

As many as 267 mithuns have died of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley district over the past two months, with 1,402 animals affected by the outbreak, officials said on Monday.

The disease has so far been reported in 21 villages, prompting veterinary authorities to step up treatment, surveillance and preventive measures.

District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer Dr Dammo Riba said the disease was first reported in the district in the last week of July.

Following reports of mithun deaths, veterinary teams were deployed with medicines and sample-collection kits, while a subject-expert team from the Centre visited the affected areas.

Laboratory tests conducted by the National Institute of Foot and Mouth Disease (NIFMD), Odisha, subsequently confirmed that the outbreak was caused by FMD serotype 'O'.

According to the departmental status report as of September 20, of the 1,402 mithuns reported affected, 1,225 have been treated and 267 have died.

A four-member rapid response team, along with local veterinary personnel, is currently carrying out treatment, surveillance and awareness activities in the affected areas.

Riba appreciated the state government and the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development for providing additional manpower and adequate medicines to strengthen the district's response.

He said the department maintains detailed livestock records, including household-, individual- and village-wise data on mithuns and cattle.

Riba also urged people and agencies to verify livestock population and mortality figures with official departmental records to prevent the circulation of inaccurate or misleading information.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including mithuns and cattle.

Vaccination remains an important preventive measure, Riba said, adding that the department conducts free routine vaccination drives twice a year at farmers' doorsteps.

He appealed to livestock owners to extend full cooperation during the vaccination campaigns.

The department is continuing to monitor the situation and has undertaken measures to contain the outbreak and protect the livestock population in the district, he added.