Commissioner and Secretary Veterinary and Animal Husbandry (V&AH), MK Mero on Saturday urged upon the veterinarians to play a key role in protecting global health.
He said the veterinarians by executing their duties with responsibilities were improving the health and welfare of the animals which in turn lead to improvement in human health.
He said this while speaking at the valedictory function of World Veterinary Day (WVD) 2016 on the theme, “Continuing Education with a One Health Focus” at Hotel Japfu, Kohima. The event was organized by Nagaland State Veterinary Council (NSVC).
Asserting that human deaths caused each year by rabies as well as the recent Ebola epidemic could have strong links between the health of the people, animals and environment, Mero suggested adopting of multi-sectoral approaches to recognize and respond to these threats.
He also pointed to studies which showed 60% of known human infectious diseases have their origins from animals, and 75% of emerging human diseases have their roots in animals such as Anthropoid borne disease like Ebola and Yellow Fever, Rodent-borne diseases like Avian Flu etc.
In this regard, the commissioner and secretary called for greater cooperation between the Veterinary sciences, Public Health Services and Environmentalists.
Maintaining that science of veterinary profession was constantly evolving, Mero urged veterinary doctors to keep updated on the latest developments so that they could efficiently deal with animal health care. “Recommendations of WVD 2016” taken during technical session for “Enhancement of Professional Efficiency” and “Rabies Control Initiative” were submitted to the commissioner and secretary.
During the function, “Best Veterinarian 2016” was awarded to Dr. Michael Imti Imchen, VAS Dimapur.
Earlier, presenting on “FSSAI and role of State Veterinary Department” at the technical session, Dr. Simon Ao, MVSc suggested that Meat Food Order 1973 and Milk and Milk Products Order 1992 be extended in the State with the Food and Safety Standard Act, 2006. He suggested implementation of development of meat inspection service in the state so that hygienic and wholesome food provided to the public.
Presentation on the topic “Dynamics of Disease Causation with One Health perspective” was delivered by Dr. Keduzol Ltu, Ph. D (Virology).
This was followed by interaction of the veterinary practitioners from different districts.
Progress on CoVS
On the progress of Veterinary College at Jalukie, Mero informed that works are underway and that the first academic session would begin from July 2016.
MoU for establishment of College of Veterinary Science (CoVS) was signed between Nagaland government and Central Agriculture University (CAU), Imphal on January 22, 2016.
Mero said if preliminary construction could not be completed, the first batch (20 intake) would start the first academic year at Veterinary College Aizwal and later would be shifted to CoVS in the second year.
He also informed that the state has earmarked Rs. 3 Crore for the current financial year to carry out the construction works.
Joint Director V&AH, Dr. L Temsu Ao also said that the progress for CoVS was on schedule where site selection and logistic survey has been completed.
He also informed that the outbreak of Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS) in Peren was “almost under control” and the department was putting more effort to ensure it from spreading further.