Alka Upadhyaya Outlines Plans to Establish FMD-Free Zones in 8 States to Boost Animal Health, Export Opportunities

A ground-breaking three-day workshop on Animal Infectious Disease Prioritization, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, in the national capital saw animated discussions.

An action plan was drawn up at the event, which brought together 69 experts from leading institutions, including ICAR Institutes, Veterinary Universities, State Animal Husbandry Departments, NIAH, Ministry of Health & FW, NCDC, and international organizations such as WHO, Jhpiego, Brookes India, USAID, and the FAO ECTAD Team, an official release said.

A key outcome of the workshop was the development of a prioritized list of the top 20 animal infectious diseases, selected based on severity, transmissibility, available interventions, impact, prevalence, and national importance. An action plan was formulated, focusing on five critical areas: Coordination, Communication, Monitoring and Surveillance, Prevention and Control, Therapeutics, and Socio-economic and Contingency Planning.

The valedictory session featured a keynote address by Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (AHD) Alka Upadhyaya, who underscored India's growing self-reliance in animal health and highlighted the department's major achievements in tackling four critical diseases under the National Control Programme, targeting: Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Brucellosis, and Classical Swine Fever.

These programs are supported by nationwide vaccination drives, fully funded by the Government of India, utilizing indigenously developed vaccines. Upadhyaya also outlined plans to establish FMD-free zones in eight states, where advanced vaccination efforts are underway. This strategic move is expected to pave the way for expanded export opportunities for Indian animal products, enhancing the country's global market presence.

She applauded the collaborative efforts of cross-sectoral experts and the commitment of all stakeholders in finalizing the priority disease list aimed at improving animal health and extended her gratitude to FAO and USAID for their vital support in organizing the workshop. The valedictory function was also attended by Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary (Livestock Health), and Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative to India.

The workshop concluded with a strong call to action urging the replication of similar Animal Disease Prioritization exercises at the regional level across India. This approach aims to address region-specific animal diseases, ensuring tailored and effective disease control and prevention strategies.