Symposium discusses steps to combat livestock, zoonotic diseases

SHILLONG, Dec 3: As Meghalaya continues to see sporadic outbreaks of exotic animal diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Lumpy Skin Disease, the ICAR Research Complex, Umiam, has brought together national and international experts for the two-day International Symposium on Zoonotic and Transboundary Diseases to discuss the roads ahead.
The Symposium, which concluded on Friday, discussed crucial aspects for control of transboundary and zoonotic diseases by recommending a ‘One Health’ approach, which was also underscored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.
During the programme, Assistant Director General, Animal Health, ICAR, New Delhi, Dr Ashok Kumar pointed out that ‘One Health’ approach is a focal theme of ICAR at the national level.
The organising team was led by Director of ICAR NEH Dr VK Mishra, who expressed commitment to work in multidisciplinary mode to address the challenges faced by the state and the region, especially in the livestock sector.