AH&VS Department Conducts Awareness Drive on Livestock Infectious Diseases in Gangtok District

The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department, Gangtok District, conducted a series of awareness programs in March 2025 to educate livestock farmers about infectious diseases affecting cattle, small ruminants, and pigs. The campaign focused on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste-des-Petits Ruminants (PPR), emphasizing their prevention under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) and PPR-Eradication Programme (PPR-EP).

Under the leadership of Dr. Z Bhutia, Additional Director & District Head, and Dr. Seema Rai, Joint Director & DDO, the initiative aimed to eradicate these diseases by 2030. Farmers were urged to actively participate in the 5th round of vaccination, which began on March 1, 2025, ensuring all eligible livestock were immunized.

The program was conducted across Syari, Navey Shotak, Sumin, Makha, Patuk, Namli, Tumlabong, Chuba, Singbel, Sang, Martam, and Rumtek. Farmers were provided with mineral mixtures and nutritional supplements to enhance livestock health. Additionally, the call center number 1962 was shared with farmers to facilitate doorstep veterinary services under the Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).

The awareness initiative reflects the government’s commitment to livestock health and the prevention of economically devastating animal diseases, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for farmers in Sikkim.