Port Blair, Aug. 7: A sensitization programme on role of Para Vet Staff for control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was held on 6th August 2013 at CARI, Port Blair, under the project on FMD control programme organized by Division of Animal Science, CARI in collaboration with KVK and DAH&VS, A & N Administration.

 Speaking on the occasion the Chief guest and Director, CARI, Dr. S. Dam Roy, highlighted the significant role of para vet staff in the control of FMD. He spoke on importance of this disease in terms of direct and indirect losses to livestock and economy. He also stressed on the significance of the FMD Control programme in the islands.

The guest of honour, Dr. P. Balakrishnan, Director, AH & VS, A & N Administration appreciated the contribution of para vet staffs in  completing many rounds of FMD control programme. He also motivated all the staff to actively involve all the farmers for successful implementation of FMD control programme. He also assured to provide all required facilities to carry out the programme.

Dr. S. Shiv Kumar, Jt. Director, AH & VS, A & N Administration speaking as  the guest of honour stressed upon the importance of cold chain maintenance for transport of vaccines and collection of blood samples. He also informed to reward the best team for active participation and successful implementation of vaccination.

Dr. A. Kundu, spoke on the importance and significance of FMD control programme and role of para vet staff who are actively involved in the FMD vaccination and blood collection. He also motivated all the staffs for their cooperation for the success of the programme.  Dr. Nagesh Ram also assured the support and cooperation of KVK in the FMD control programme.

Dr. Jai Sunder PI-FMDCP presented the detail about the FMD in livestock, its effective prevention and control measures and strategies for eradication of this disease from A&N Islands. In his presentation he also highlighted the status of FMD in A&N Islands and urged all the para vet staff to do extra effort in effective vaccination, proper blood collection and creating awareness on FMD vaccination among farmers.

Dr.Satya K. Balasundaram, RA demonstrated the procedure of serum collection, administration of vaccine, storage, labeling and dispatch of samples.

Earlier Dr. Abhay Kumar Singh KVK welcomed the gathering and Dr.T.Sujatha, Scientist proposed vote of thanks.

The programme was attended by para vet staffs from Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Port Blair.