Sri Vijaya Puram, April 28: Animal health services and awareness activities were scaled up across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as World Veterinary Day 2026 was marked with a series of outreach programmes, including health camps, sterilisation drives, and farmer engagement initiatives.
Observed on April 24 and 25, the campaign focused on the theme “Veterinarians – Guardians for Food and Health,” with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services organising activities at veterinary hospitals, dispensaries, livestock farms, and field locations across the Islands.
At the Livestock Farm Complex in Dollygunj, a farmer interaction programme was held on April 25, where Director K.A. Naveen addressed participants on scientific animal husbandry practices, livestock insurance, cattle breeding policy, and the Community Fodder Bank scheme. Certificates were distributed to ten veterinary compounders who completed artificial insemination training, while sorghum seed mini kits and informational material were provided to around thirty farmers.
Educational outreach was also undertaken, with 30 students from Government Middle School, Dollygunj visiting livestock units, including goatery, piggery, cattle, and hatchery sections. Officials encouraged awareness on animal care, and eggs were distributed to students. Poultry farmers were also engaged through field interactions and chick distribution programmes.
Across multiple locations, animal health camps and Animal Birth Control (ABC) initiatives were carried out. At Hut Bay in Little Andaman, 14 sterilisation procedures were conducted on pets, alongside farmer meetings and distribution of hatching eggs. Similar sterilisation and treatment activities were reported from Wimberlygunj, Garacharma, and New Bimblitan.
Vaccination and awareness camps were organised at Rangachang, Shaheed Dweep, Port Mout, and Elephant Point, where treatments, deworming, and anti-rabies vaccinations were administered. In Campbell Bay and Kamorta, programmes included veterinary camps, school competitions, and community engagement activities.
In Car Nicobar, a Mini Mela held on April 25 featured livestock distribution, including piglets and poultry birds, along with awareness activities such as skits and drawing competitions.
The department also conducted exposure visits for school students through the Animal Husbandry Training Institute, aimed at improving awareness of livestock management practices.
