India Enhances Disease Surveillance and Antibiotic Use
The Indian government is ramping up its efforts in disease surveillance and responsible antibiotic usage in the animal health sector. Through various initiatives, including the use of artificial intelligence, the government aims to monitor and control diseases that threaten livestock. This comprehensive approach includes a network of diagnostic laboratories and a national action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Advanced Surveillance Techniques
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is at the forefront of active disease surveillance for critical diseases such as Avian Influenza, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Various ICAR Animal Science institutes are involved in this initiative. The ICAR-National Institute on Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI) in Bengaluru employs artificial intelligence and machine learning models to provide monthly disease risk forecasts for 15 economically significant diseases. These forecasts are accessible to all states through the NADRES V2 portal and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) portal, ensuring timely information dissemination.
Robust Laboratory Network for Early Detection
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has established a comprehensive network of diagnostic laboratories across India. This includes a Central Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (CDDL) at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly and five Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratories (RDDLs) located in Bengaluru, Pune, Jalandhar, Kolkata, and Guwahati. This extensive laboratory network is crucial for disease surveillance, early detection, and rapid response to emerging disease threats, thereby safeguarding animal health and public safety.
Combating Antimicrobial Resistance
To address the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), ICAR has launched the All India Network Programme on AMR (AINP-AMR), which encompasses 31 centers nationwide. Additionally, the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) is actively monitoring AMR trends in food animals and aquaculture. This initiative aims to identify risk factors associated with AMR in animals and fisheries, ultimately leading to the development of effective control strategies.
National Action Plan and Vaccination Initiatives
The Department has formulated a National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other stakeholders. This plan emphasizes the judicious use, surveillance, and monitoring of antibiotics in the animal health sector. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is involved in regulating the use of pesticides and antibiotics in agriculture, aligning with the One Health Initiative. To promote responsible antibiotic use, advisories have been issued to all states and Union Territories, urging the cessation of antibiotics in animal feed and raising general awareness. The Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) provides 100% central assistance to states for vaccination against various diseases, which not only protects livestock but also reduces reliance on antibiotics, thereby mitigating AMR risks.
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