ICAR holds international symposium to combat zoonotic diseases in Northeast

UMIAM: At a time, when the state is reeling under consecutive outbreaks of exotic animal diseases like African Swine Fever and Lumpy Skin Disease with huge economic consequences, ICAR Research Complex, Umiam brought together national and international experts to discuss the roads ahead at the International Symposium on Zoonotic and Transboundary Diseases on 1-2 December 2022.

The two-day event witnessed participants from all over the country. The Veterinary Department of Meghalaya and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, touched upon crucial aspects for control of transboundary and zoonotic diseases by recommending a One-Health approach which was underscored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to G20 nations with India in presiding role.

In the inaugural session, Padmashree (Dr) KK Sarma emphasized the need for One-Health for managing diseases of wildlife which in turn affects domestic livestock.

Col. Professor AM Paturkar, Vice Chancellor, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur endorsed the multidisciplinary approach in handling complex biological challenges. The international narrative from ILRI also underpinned the same giving examples from their efforts to contain African Swine Fever in South Asian countries.

Dr Ashok Kumar Assistant Director General, Animal Health, ICAR, New Delhi pointed out that One Health is a focal theme of ICAR at the national level also. The organizing team was led by Dr VK Mishra, Director, ICAR NEH, who expressed commitment to work in a multidisciplinary mode, to address the challenges faced by the state and the region, especially in the livestock sector, a press release said.

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