Dr. Gulzar Hussain, the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer of Kargil, conducted a visit to Drass to assess the current situation of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak and evaluate the measures implemented to control it.
During the visit, Dr. Hussain presided over a meeting with Block Veterinary Officer Drass, Dr. Mohd Amine, and the field staff actively engaged in managing the situation. Dr. Amine provided a comprehensive overview of the FMD outbreak, indicating that diligent efforts from the entire field team have successfully kept the situation under control.
The team has been enforcing stringent control measures, including daily monitoring and treatment of affected livestock in the highland pastures, effectively containing the spread of the disease. Field staff members conduct daily visits to monitor the health of livestock and administer necessary treatments.
Dr. Amine emphasized that their proactive approach has been instrumental in managing the outbreak despite the challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions, significantly mitigating its impact on the livestock.
During discussions, Dr. Amine highlighted the necessity for additional protective equipment such as masks and gloves to ensure the safety and health of the veterinary team handling infected animals.
Dr. Gulzar Hussain assured the Block Veterinary Officer that the requested supplies would be promptly provided, emphasizing the paramount importance of the health and safety of the field staff. He reaffirmed their commitment to providing necessary resources and stressed the significance of community awareness and engagement in preventing the spread of FMD. Outreach activities will be organized soon to educate livestock owners on best practices for disease prevention, with funding requests already submitted to higher authorities.
Dr. Hussain also acknowledged the request for additional protective gear and medicines, pledging necessary actions to safeguard the team. He assured continuous support with the resources and guidance required to maintain control over the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.
Later, Dr. Hussain visited the old building of the Veterinary Complex, scheduled for dismantling to make way for a new block for the veterinary hospital. Funds for the new construction have already been released to the relevant executing agency.
