267 mithuns dead from foot-and-mouth disease in Arunachal Pradesh

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley district has resulted in the death of 267 mithuns over the last two months, with 1,402 animals affected across 21 villages, officials said Monday.

The disease was first detected in late July. Laboratory tests by the National Institute of Foot and Mouth Disease in Odisha confirmed the outbreak was caused by FMD serotype 'O'. Of the affected animals, 1,225 have been treated while 267 have died.

Veterinary authorities have deployed a rapid response team along with local personnel to conduct treatment, surveillance and awareness activities. Free routine vaccination is being conducted as a preventive measure, officials said.