Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh animal husbandry, veterinary and dairy development minister Gabriel D Wangsu has directed the deployment of two additional expert rapid response teams to Dibang Valley district to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), officials said on Wednesday.The minister directed the secretary of animal husbandry, veterinary and dairy development department to monitor the situation daily and ensure prompt intervention at the field level.The two teams will be deployed in addition to one already operating in the affected areas. They will be provided with medicines, disinfectants, diagnostic support, logistics and mobility facilities, officials said.The teams will assist district authorities in disease investigation, treatment, sample collection and containment measures.Wangsu also directed officials to intensify awareness campaigns and village-level surveillance for the early detection of suspected cases.Farmers and livestock owners will be sensitised about the early reporting of suspected infections, restrictions on livestock movement, biosecurity measures and other precautions to prevent the disease from spreading, the officials said.The minister also ordered ring vaccination in identified areas to create a protective buffer around affected locations.
