UNIFIL’s Indian Battalion vaccinates 10,000 animals
In July 2016 UNIFIL’s Indian Battalion ran a hugely successful vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The four week campaign was carried out with the close cooperation of Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture.
FMD is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. The first symptoms include small blisters developing on the lips and tongue, feet and udders. This eventually leads to loss of appetite and weight loss, and may be even fatal to the animal.
The virus is very contagious - it can be spread by contaminated farming equipment, vehicles, clothing and animals. Because of this, the veterinary team of UNIFIL’s Indian Battalion trained the farmers on early detection signs, as well as preventative measures to stop the spreading of this treatable disease.
The UNIFIL peacekeepers also used the opportunity to reiterate to the farmers the importance of maintaining the Blue Line’s integrity.
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Article: Lt Col Gautam Sharma and Maj Ankit Aggarwal
Photo: Sepoy Dinesh
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