To mark World Zoonoses Day, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying organised an interactive session chaired by the Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (AHD) on 6th July, 2024, informed Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, PIB.
Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can transfer between animals and humans, such as rabies, anthrax, influenza (H1N1 and H5N1), Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. These diseases are caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. However, “not all animal diseases are zoonotic,” stated the Ministry. Many diseases that affect livestock cannot infect humans. Examples include Foot & Mouth Disease, PPR, Lumpy Skin Disease, Classical Swine Fever, and Ranikhet Disease.
India boasts the largest livestock population, with 536 million livestock and 851 million poultry, accounting for approximately 11% and 18% of the global livestock and poultry population, respectively. Additionally, India is the largest producer of milk and the second-largest producer of eggs globally. It is important to note and understand which diseases are zoonotic as it is crucial for effective public health strategies and preventing unnecessary fear and stigmatisation of animals.
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The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has launched a nationwide campaign for Brucella vaccination of bovine calves under NADCP and undertaken Rabies Vaccination under ASCAD to mitigate zoonotic disease. The department is also implementing a comprehensive nationwide surveillance plan for economically important animal diseases.
Additionally, under the One Health approach, the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) has been established, comprising experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ICMR, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, ICAR, and Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. This team has been actively involved in collaborative outbreak investigations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
“Prevention and control of zoonotic diseases rely on vaccination, good hygiene, animal husbandry practices, and vector control. Collaborative efforts through the One Health approach, which emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, are crucial. Collaboration among veterinarians, medical professionals, and environmental scientists is essential for addressing zoonotic diseases comprehensively,” stated the Ministry.
World Zoonoses Day is celebrated in honour of Louis Pasteur, who administered the first successful rabies vaccine, a zoonotic disease, on July 6, 1885. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about zoonoses—diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans—and promoting preventive and control measures.
