Workshop on Epidemiological Approaches to Prevent and Control Transboundary Animal Diseases with Special Focus on Zoonotic Diseases and Foot and Mouth Diseases

3rd to 12th October 2023, Bengaluru

ICAR- National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Bengaluru and ICAR- National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubneshwar, organised the workshop on ‘Epidemiological Approaches to Prevent and Control Transboundary Animal Diseases with a Special Focus on Zoonotic Diseases and Foot and Mouth Diseases’ from 3rd-12th October 2023, at virtual mode under the Aegis of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

Dr. Abhijit Mitra, AHC, DAHD, Govt of India, and Dr. Ashok Kumar, Assistant Director General (AH), were the Chief Guests of the workshop.

Dr. Mitra accentuated the crucial role of workshops like these in preventing transboundary diseases and establishing enduring collaborations.

Dr. Kumar, accentuated the critical issue of climate change and the emergence of new diseases, which pose threats not only to the livestock population of BIMSTEC countries but also to public health.

Dr. B.R. Gulati, Director, ICAR-NIVEDI, emphasised the significance of transboundary animal diseases, such as Lumpy Skin Disease and African Swine Fever, and also emphasised the necessity for long-term, country-level collaborations to mutually benefit from shared regional knowledge. Moreover, the emergence of new transboundary livestock diseases, including zoonoses, presents a challenge. These diseases potentially impact both animal and human populations, elevating them to a matter of significant concern.

Dr. R.P. Singh, Director, NIFMD, oriented the participants towards the transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease in the region and ways to fortify inter-country cooperation. He further extended the services of ICAR-NIFMD to BIMSTEC countries.

International participants from countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in managing such diseases.

(Source: ICAR- National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Bengaluru)