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UN agency warns of ‘critical outbreak’ of foot-and-mouth disease in Afghanistan
The highly contagious viral disease is spreading rapidly among cattle, sheep, and goats, placing enormous pressure on the livestock sector
A critical outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is currently unfolding across Afghanistan, risking the lives of millions of cattle, sheep and goats, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations warned Sunday in a post on X.
The agency said the “virus spreads fast and herders are losing their livelihoods”.
The highly contagious viral disease is spreading rapidly among cattle, sheep, and goats, placing enormous pressure on the livestock sector — a key pillar of Afghanistan’s rural economy.
According to veterinary experts, several key factors are driving the outbreak, including: Open and porous borders; Frequent movement of livestock across provinces and regions; Changing climate conditions; Limited access to vaccines; Inadequate veterinary infrastructure; Environmental stress and weakened animal health.
The FAO is actively working with local veterinarians, herders, and communities to contain the disease and prevent further spread, the agency said.
In 2024, FAO successfully vaccinated over 800,000 cattle against FMD as part of its nationwide animal health campaign.
The organization is now intensifying its efforts to reach more at-risk areas and vulnerable livestock populations.
“Protecting livestock means protecting livelihoods,” said an FAO representative.
“This outbreak poses a serious threat to food security and rural incomes. We must act quickly to scale up vaccination, strengthen surveillance, and improve veterinary outreach.”
For millions of Afghan families who rely on livestock for income, food, and farming, halting the spread of FMD is not only a public health priority—it’s a lifeline.
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Mujahid dispels claims of rifts within the Islamic Emirate
Mujahid emphasized that there is strong unity, obedience, and cohesion within the Islamic Emirate, and that there is no concern about any division.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, has rejected a BBC report that alleged the existence of divisions among officials of the Islamic Emirate, stating that such claims are not true.
Mujahid said in a post that there are no disagreements whatsoever within the ranks of the Islamic Emirate.
He added that all affairs within the system of the Islamic Emirate are conducted in accordance with Islamic Sharia, and that there is no room for any kind of disagreement.
According to him, statements by officials about the importance of unity and solidarity, or minor issues in which views may differ, never mean the existence of disagreement.
He emphasized that there is strong unity, obedience, and cohesion within the Islamic Emirate, and that there is no concern about any division.
The head of Afghanistan’s embassy in New Delhi, Noor Ahmad Noor, has met with Afghan traders residing in India to discuss their concerns and challenges.
During the meeting, members of the Afghan business community shared issues related to trade and commercial activities.
Noor assured the traders that addressing their concerns is a top priority for the embassy and emphasized that efforts will be made, in coordination with the host country, to find practical solutions.
He also reiterated the embassy’s commitment to supporting Afghan traders and facilitating economic and commercial engagement in India.
The United Nations has confirmed that Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and her staff are working on a visit to Kabul later this month.
Speaking at a press conference, UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said that an official announcement would be made once arrangements are finalized.
Dujarric said the visit is intended to follow up on the Doha process, which was initiated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in May 2023. He emphasized that the engagement aims to be both principled and pragmatic, with a focus on serving the interests and well-being of the Afghan people.
The plan for DiCarlo’s visit was first announced by the Afghan foreign ministry following a meeting with UNAMA officials In Kabul on Tuesday.
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