Parshottam Rupala Holds Bilateral Meeting with New Zealand's Trade & Agriculture Minister

Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, met with Damien O'connor, Minister of Trade and Agriculture of New Zealand. The two countries discussed the possibility of bilateral cooperation to strengthen Foot and Mouth Disease capability in order to advance India's and New Zealand's primary sectors.

During the meeting, both parties agreed that they could learn a lot from each other in the related fields. The cooperation discussed today will contribute to the two countries' bilateral cooperation.

Both nations will benefit from sharing knowledge and experience in order to improve their respective animal husbandry industries' capacity and knowledge.

The two dignitaries have talked about various ways to deepen the special and close relationship between India and New Zealand.

India and New Zealand have long had friendly and close ties. In 1952, the two nations formally established diplomatic ties.

Commonalities like Commonwealth membership, adherence to common law principles, and pursuing a common goal of achieving economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems serve as a great foundation for furthering current ties.

About Foot & Mouth Disease:

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a serious, highly contagious viral disease that affects livestock and is very expensive to treat. Cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other ruminants with cloven hooves are all affected by the disease. It is a transboundary animal disease (TAD) that has a significant impact on livestock production and interferes with both domestic and global trade in animals and animal products.

According to estimates, the disease is present in 77% of the world's livestock, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as a small portion of South America. Its prevention is based on, among other things, the implementation of efficient surveillance and the presence of early detection and warning systems.