Sri Vijaya Puram, April 27: World Veterinary Day 2026 was celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Veterinarians – Guardians for Food and Health”. Various programmes were organised on 24th and 25th April 2026 at Veterinary Hospitals, Dispensaries, Livestock Farm Complex and other field locations highlighting the important role of veterinarians in animal health, public health, food safety and the One Health approach.
At the Livestock Farm Complex, Dollygunj, a Kisan Gosti was organised on 25th April, 2026. Dr. K.A. Naveen, Director, AH&VS, A&N Administration graced the occasion as chief guest and inaugurated the programme in the presence of Senior Veterinary Officers. Director, AH&VS encouraged farmers to adopt scientific animal husbandry practices, explained the One Health concept, Livestock Insurance, Cattle Breeding Policy and the new Community Fodder Bank scheme. Certificates were distributed to ten Veterinary Compounders who had completed Artificial Insemination training in Keralam. Sorghum seed mini kits along with leaflets on package of practices and silage making were distributed to around thirty farmers.
On 24th April 2026, an exposure visit was organised for 30 students of Government Middle School, Dollygunj to the Livestock Farm Complex where they visited goatery, piggery, cattle and hatchery units. Director, AH&VS and Joint Director, Dr. Ajay Verma and other officers motivated the students to develop compassion towards animals. Table eggs were distributed to the students. Director, AH&VS also met poultry farmers at the Government Poultry Farm, Dollygunj. A chicks distribution programme was also organised on the occasion.
Animal Health Camps and ABC programmes were organised at various centres. At Hut Bay, Little Andaman, 14 sterilizations were performed on pet dogs and cats. A farmer meet was conducted and hatching eggs of different breeds were distributed. Animal Health Camps were also held at all Veterinary Hospitals, Dispensaries and Sub-Dispensaries where chicks, fodder seeds, medicines and dewormers were distributed and procedures like castration, spaying and anti-rabies vaccination were carried out. At Wimberlygunj, six dogs and one tom cat were castrated. At Garacharma and New Bimblitan, four dogs and one female cat were sterilized. A major Animal Health and Awareness Camp was organised at Rangachang No.5 where a large number of animals were treated. An anti-rabies vaccination camp was conducted at Shaheed Dweep while health and ABC camps were held at Port Mout and Elephant Point.
In Campbell Bay, the programme was organised at Veterinary Hospital with the presence of Shri Barnabus Manju, Shri Sanjay Ekka and Smti. Shakila Nawaz as invited guests. At Kamorta, two-day celebrations included a drawing competition for school children on 24th April and a Veterinary Health and Deworming Camp on 25th April along with fun games for CLF staff and villagers. AC Shri Kshitij Gyanraj and Captain Shri Moses Stanley graced the occasion.
In Car Nicobar, a Mini Mela was organised at Edward Kuchat Park on 25th April 2026. Vice CTC of the Tribal Council was the chief guest of the event. A drawing competition was held at GSSS Malacca and a skit on animal welfare was presented by ITI Arong students. Twelve Large White Yorkshire piglets and 500 Vanaraja birds were distributed to tribal beneficiaries.
The Animal Husbandry Training Institute and Vaccination Unit, LFC Dollygunj also organised an exposure programme for school children on 24th April with visits to the Central Hatchery and Cattle Holding Farm.