A devastating viral contagion has struck the livestock population of Arunachal Pradesh, leading to the loss of 267 mithuns across Dibang Valley over an eight-week stretch. The virulent Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak has permeated 21 rural settlements throughout the district, infecting an aggregate of 1,402 cloven-hoofed animals. Veterinary authorities have mobilized intensive medical interventions and field containment measures to prevent further loss of the prized bovine species.
Early Emergence and Swift Central Intervention
According to District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer Dr Dammo Riba, the opening wave of sickness was first observed during the concluding days of July. As soon as mortality incidents among mithuns were reported, dedicated clinical squads carrying therapeutic stockpiles and diagnostic sampling tools were dispatched across rural terrain. To evaluate the crisis and support regional containment, a delegation of central subject matter experts also travelled directly into the impacted settlements.
Laboratory Analysis Verifies Serotype O Strain
Diagnostic samples gathered from sick animals underwent rigorous evaluation to trace the specific viral pathogen. Scientists at the National Institute of Foot and Mouth Disease in Odisha established that the epidemic stemmed from the Foot-and-Mouth Disease serotype 'O' strain. Official status records finalized on September 20 show that out of 1,402 infected animals, dedicated care has successfully been delivered to 1,225 mithuns, even as 267 succumbed to the infection.
Field Response and Record Verification
A specialized four-person Rapid Response Team, collaborating with resident veterinary staff, is spearheading extensive medical care, doorstep health inspections, and community education across the district. Dr Riba acknowledged the timely dispatch of supplemental medical supplies and manpower by the state administration alongside the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development. Given that the department logs comprehensive livestock registers spanning individual families and village units, officials stressed that outside observers should verify livestock counts and mortality metrics directly against departmental documentation to prevent the spread of inaccurate claims.
Preventive Inoculation and Livestock Protection
Foot-and-Mouth Disease remains a highly transmissible viral threat targeting cloven-footed animals, particularly cattle and indigenous mithuns. Routine prophylactic immunization serves as the frontline defense against infection, with veterinary workers administering complimentary door-to-door vaccines semiannually. Local livestock keepers have been encouraged to actively participate in these preventive inoculation drives, ensuring their herds remain safeguarded against future viral incursions.
