Infestation in summer paddy fields controlled; strategies adopted to control vector borne diseases in Hailakandi

April 26; With scores of pigs dying in six districts of Assam, the district animal husbandry and veterinary department is on a massive vaccination drive of pigs across the district. District Veterinary Officer, RA Laskar said the department has intensified the vaccination drive in the wake of pigs dying in some parts of the state due to unknown disease. Laskar said all the pig rearers have been asked to ensure hygienic conditions in the pig sty. “The pig farmers have been instructed to make use of gloves while feeding and handling waste,” said Laskar.

As monsoons have arrived and bringing with it various vector borne diseases, the administration held a meeting with health functionaries, public health engineering department, municipal boards, animal husbandry and veterinary department and malaria officer to discuss strategies and ensure preparedness in the event of an outbreak. Last year cases were studied in great detail with mapping of prime areas and action plan prepared accordingly.

The administration has requested the citizens to ensure no mosquito breeding places such as stagnant water spots, old water containers, cooler water, tyre-tubes, et al in and around households. It asked the people to adopt preventive measures such as use of mosquito nets especially during night. The administration has made arrangement for doorstep delivery of hard-to-find medicines for people who could not procure it from Guwahati, Kolkata and Chennai due to the lockdown. “Life saving kidney and heart medicines are being delivered at doorstep by our dedicated MPWs,” said a health official.

Meanwhile, a flood preparedness meeting was held with the contractors to expedite completion of flood protection work before the onset of monsoons. Issues raised by the contractors were heard and logistic support of materials were streamlined. The administration issued movement pass to those engaged in anti-erosion and SDRF activities.

The medical surveillance teams have been working round the clock screening people stranded due to lockdown in different parts of the state at the embarkation points as they reached their home district to ensure the health safety of all. Following pest infestation in summer paddy fields, spraying of chemicals has been intensified. Subdivisional Agriculture Officers, Dr.AR Ahmed said the infestation has been controlled in a few days following pest control measures on a war footing. “Of the 1,540 hectares of summer paddy, 20 hectares affected by rice bug have been treated,” said Dr.Ahmed.