Srinagar Apr 24: Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry,  Science & Technology and Information Technology, Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi formally launched two websites and released JK Veterinary Doctors’ Association newsletter, Vetline, as part of the celebration on the World Veterinary Day here today.
 While www.kashvet.org has been already on the net with India’s first online CAB International accredited Veterinary Journal ‘Vetscan’ having worldwide subscribers and was awaiting formal launch, www.thepoultryconsultancy.com is dedicated to the promotion of poultry industry in the state.
 The Vetline has been launched with the aim of serving as a forum for vets to share information on developments in the field of veterinary sciences and facilitate discussions on professional issues and problems.
 Complementing the vets on the occasion Ruhullah urged them to have introspection as to what are their individual contributions to the society and rededicate themselves to the cause of the poor farming community.
 He counselled them to avoid bringing in influences for their postings which was hampering promotions and postings in the twin departments of Animal/Sheep Husbandry.  
 Responding to the demand for restoration of full pay benefits for in-service candidates interested in pursuing higher studies, he said the matter will be taken up with Finance & Planning ministries so that quality of Vet Services to the farmers was ensured.
 He promised the assembly of vets that the confusion created in the implementation of 3rd Time Bound Promotion would soon be got cleared.
 He also promised action on the demand of withdrawing a controversial and illegal communication issued by a former secretary without his knowledge.
 Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr Ishfaq Ahmad Phalgroo, President JKVDA who shed light on the multifarious role of vets and the achievements made in the field of disease prevention, increasing production and productivity of animals.
 Dr J L Mattoo, Director, AH Department Kashmir giving background of the celebrating the World Veterinary Day, said, ‘It has long been recognized that humans and animal share more than 60 per cent of known infectious diseases (whether domestic or wild); 75 per cent of recent emerging human diseases came from animals and 80 per cent of the pathogens that could potentially be used in bio-terrorism are zoonotic.
 It is also known that human populations need a regular diet of protein particularly from milk, eggs or meat, and that a deficiency can also be a public health problem.’
 He said the vets had been proving their prowess in different fields. Dr R L Khar, Director SH Department also spoke on the occasion and gave details of the ground situation obtaining in the beginning of Animal Husbandry department in the state. Dr F A Kaloo, Deputy Director, A H Department while presenting vote of thanks explained the role of vets in the field, in academics, research etc. Special mention was made of the cloning of camels by Dr Nissar A Wani, at CVRL UAE, of Buffaloes by Dr Reyaz Ahmad Shah of SKUAST Kashmir and the contribution of Dr Zahoor Kashmiri in the field of Wildlife conservation in Africa where he died during a rescue operation for an elephant.
 The meeting also extended condolences to Dr Roohi Badakhshi on the sad demise of her son.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST