DoL

𝟐𝟕 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑: The expert mission on African Swine Fever (ASF) from Emergency Management Centre (EMC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) were in the country to assess the current ASF situation. The EMC mission consisted of ASF experts in laboratory diagnosis, risk communication and extension education, epidemiology and farm biosecurity. Bhutan experienced series of ASF outbreaks since May 2021 mostly in the Southern Dzongkhags. Most of these outbreaks were traced to illegal import of pork and pork products, feeding of improperly cooked kitchen waste and poor farm biosecurity. ASF is not zoonotic and therefore, not a disease of public health concern, however, it can cause high mortality resulting in catastrophic socio-economic consequences for the pig farming sector implicating threat to food security. Spread of the disease into wild boar population may result in establishment of disease endemicity and threat to wild pigs and possible ecological imbalance.

The ASF experts accompanied by officials from Department of Livestock, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority and FAO country office visited the National Centre for Animal Health, Serbithang to assess the laboratory diagnostic capacity. The team also visited pig farms in Tsirang and Sarpang, Integrated Check Post, meat shops, Regional Vet Hospital and Epidemiology Centre (RVH & EC), Sarpang Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Tshethar Thsogpa, piggery cooperatives, National Piggery Farm in Gelephu to assess the field situation. Extensive discussions and interaction pursued throughout the visit.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: Dr. Narapati Dahal (Animal Health Specialist, DoL)

𝟐𝟒 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), led by the Department of Livestock (DoL), convened a coordination meeting with stakeholders to address key issues and challenges faced by the highland communities of Soe Yaksa and Nubri. The meeting served as a platform for collaborative discussion on securing sustainable livelihoods and promoting development initiatives in these regions.

The meeting mainly deliberated on issues that were brought to the notice of the Hon’ble Minister following His Excellency’s visit to these areas (visit date: 8-12 May). The firsthand experiences and insights gained during the visit served as a catalyst for the discussion. The meeting acknowledged the importance of addressing the specific concerns raised by the local communities and working towards practical solutions that can bring about positive change.

During the meeting, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions surrounding the specific issues affecting the highland communities. The challenges include limited access to resources, inadequate infrastructure, connectivity, water supply, and rangeland management. Recognizing the vital importance of holistic development, the meeting emphasized the urgent need to bring about developmental activities to secure the livelihoods of the highland communities.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: Karma Wangchuk (Dy. Chief, DoL)