World Veterinary Day was fixed by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000 to be celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April.   We celebrate this day, but the task is far bigger than the celebration.  The issues to address are different and diverse. Some are production related (scarcity of mutton ,milk and poultry), some are social  ( Dog menace), , some are clinical (prevention of Zoonatic diseases), some issues are political  (subsidized facilities to animal raisers) and some issues are very pivotal, though they hardly occupy any place in the agenda of our state ( like antimicrobial contamination;, this   includes food safety   promotion of veterinary public health, improved nutrition,   access to food for needy,  prevention of animal diseases that impact directly on livelihoods, food security and  wildlife). This has been chosen as theme of year by WVA.

Current issues
 An analysis of these issues reveals that we eagerly emphasize increased production related issues owing to growing global demand for noble proteins along with the crucial need for sufficient and safe production of animal products such as milk, eggs and meat. All possible efforts are made and resources are mobilized for promoting optimal production. There is still a lot of scope for improvement. The Dog menace is certainly  the hottest issue. Dogs have made living of all practically difficult. This problem is directly related with the clinical issues as the incidence of rabies in the valley increased significantly and  has resulted in loss of   precious lives .With the MoU signed between the SKUAST Kashmir, SMC and  Animal Welfare Board of India, the project Animal birth control-Anti rabies  is being launched for which preparations are in the final phase and  people of the valley will feel the relief very soon. Conservation  of Wild life in general  and hangul in particular is a matter of concern. According to the claim of wildlife department Dachigam National Park, the known habitat of hangul has all its ideal systems but the presence of sheep farm is an impediment in the conservation of hangul and increasing its number.
As for the policy of subsidy to the animal raisers of the state goes, government has to show generosity. A number of policy matters  need to be modified to the extent they become farmer friendly. Is it considering Agricultural land as commercial land for the purpose of  mortgage for loan, exemption of a guaranty certificate from a government employee for getting  loans, covering the insurance of Livestock at the rates as is in vogue in Punjab state, providing quality medicines and discouraging purchase of drugs and medicines at lowest market rate .

Managing antimicrobial use in animal-food-Human chain
Antimicrobials have revolutionized medical and veterinary practice since their introduction more than 60 years ago. Today they are essential tools for ensuring health and welfare of animals.  Loss of efficacy in antimicrobial treatment through resistance development is an ever-present risk both towards animal as well as public health. A rising concern in both public and animal health is varying degrees of  resistance to different antibiotics shown  by some bacteria.
Akin to some international Institutions prevention of antimicrobial resistance can be achieved through promotion of their responsible and prudent use in veterinary medicine, reinforcement of  good governance of Veterinary Services, and implementation of risk assessment measures so as to break the animal food and human chain. A risk analysis of residues of veterinary drugs in food products of animal origin and methods for the analysis of these products is the need of the hour. Prevalence of the disease has increased.  The   Punjab and Haryana suffered when a milk inducing formula was misused at large in animals and  hormone oxytocin was eliminated through milk and resulted in reproductive disorders in the population.
The recent efforts to control highly pathogenic avian influenza   and contributions towards pandemic preparedness have re-emphasized the need for enhanced concentration on reducing risks associated. This has never been a priority in Jammu and Kashmir. In a state of dire need if at all the efforts are taken, they are merely eye wash and most of the control systems are generally non-integrated with limited collaborative work.

Conclusion
To sensitize a state capable of preventing, detecting, containing, eliminating, and responding to animal and public health risks attributable to zoonosis   there is a need to strengthen animal and human health institutions, and   manage existing and emerging diseases that will be of public health, agricultural, social and economic importance in the future. A joint framework to address gaps and strengthen collaboration in human and animal health laboratory activities needs to be developed.  Increased funding and exploring research partnerships with the private sector must be ensured. To achieve more effective management of zoonotic and   emerging   diseases, there is need to improve diagnostics, data analysis and risk assessment, epidemiology, social science and communication.

The author is Chief Scientist and Head, Veterinary Clinical Services Complex,SKUAST-Kashmir.Feedback: dmmakhdoomi@gmail.com

Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST