Gangtok: The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department in Gangtok District has organised a series of awareness programmes throughout March 2025.
The initiative aims to educate livestock farmers about infectious diseases affecting animals, primarily focusing on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste-des-Petits Ruminants (PPR).
These awareness sessions were conducted at both district and block levels in several areas, including Syari, Navey Shotak, Sumin, Makha, Patuk, Namli, Tumlabong, Chuba, Singbel, Sang, Martam, and Rumtek. The campaign aligns with the National Animal Disease Control Programme (FMD & Brucellosis) and the PPR-Eradication Programme (PPR-EP), which aim to eliminate these diseases by 2030.
Farmers were encouraged to participate in the fifth round of vaccination, which commenced on March 1, 2025. Officials emphasised the importance of vaccinating all eligible livestock to curb the spread of these infectious diseases. Additionally, the department shared information about the helpline number 1962, introduced under the Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), to ensure veterinary services reach farmers’ doorsteps.
The programme was spearheaded by Dr. Z. Bhutia, Additional Director cum District Head of Gangtok AH&VS, along with Dr. Seema Rai, Joint Director cum DDO Gangtok, supported by officers and staff from the department. As part of the initiative, mineral mixtures and nutritional supplements were distributed to farmers to improve the overall health of their livestock.
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