Vaccination and Review Discussion: MOALI UM delivered the opening address

The Vaccination and Review Discussion Session for the Nay Pyi Taw Foot and Mouth Disease Control Zone, implemented with the support of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Project, was held at the Meeting Hall of Office No. (36) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, on November 5th. Union Minister U Min Naung attended the event and delivered the opening address.

In his opening address, the Union Minister stated that in order to legally export cattle abroad, the Ministry has set policies and is working step-by-step to establish Animal Quarantine Stations (AQS), Foot and Mouth Disease Free Zones, Foot and Mouth Disease Protection Zones, and Foot and Mouth Disease Control Zones according to the stipulated requirements.

He explained that the initial implementation of the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Zone in the eight townships of Nay Pyi Taw began with free FMD vaccination operations starting from June 11, 2021, using the department's budget funds, and the area was successfully declared a Foot and Mouth Disease Control Zone on February 13, 2023.

He further mentioned that if a Foot and Mouth Disease Free Zone can be declared, frozen livestock products originating from the Nay Pyi Taw Council area can be exported directly abroad. The Ministry is coordinating and negotiating with relevant government ministries of the destination countries for the export procedures. He added that detailed discussions will be held soon, and concurrently, once disease-free certifications are obtained, arrangements must be made to enable direct export and sale to partner countries.

Following this, the Director General of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department explained the purpose of holding the discussion meeting. Responsible officials then presented on the benefits expected from the Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination program, related trade activities, and the provision of free Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination services currently being carried out in the Union Territory Nay Pyi Taw.

Attendees of the discussion session actively participated in the discussions based on the presentations. The Deputy Minister Dr. Aung Gyi then provided a summary and concluding remarks, reviewing the presentations and discussions regarding the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Zone vaccination activities carried out within the Union Territory Nay Pyi Taw with the support of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Project, it’s reported.