Secretary (DARE) and DG (ICAR) Inaugurated WoAH Reference Laboratory and ‘Hoof & Health Gate’ at ICAR-NIVEDI

• Bengaluru, January 2, 2025: On the evening of January 1, 2025, Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary DARE and Director General (DG) of ICAR, visited ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI) and exchanged New Year greetings with the directors and scientists of ICAR institutes in Bengaluru, marking a positive and motivational start to the year. Dr Pathak interacted with the Directors and Heads of various ICAR institutes, including IIHR, NBAIR, NIANP, NDRI, IVRI, NBSSLUP, and IISST, discussing the ongoing ICAR activities in Bengaluru. The discussions reflected the collaborative spirit and strategic alignment of these institutes in advancing agricultural and livestock research in the region.




• On January 2, 2025, Dr Pathak inaugurated the prestigious World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis at ICAR-NIVEDI in the presence of Dr Baldev R. Gulati, Director, ICAR-NIVEDI, and Dr Pallab Chaudhury, Joint Director, ICAR-IVRI, Regional Campus, Bengaluru, along with scientists and staff of both institutes.




• Leptospirosis, a globally significant zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira bacteria, presents a major public health challenge, particularly in high-prevalence regions. The newly inaugurated laboratory, located within NIVEDI’s state-of-the-art Biosafety Laboratory, represents a significant milestone in combating this re-emerging disease. The facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and actively engages in cutting-edge research, development, and capacity-building programs, bolstering India’s efforts in the global fight against Leptospirosis.




• Dr Pathak appreciated the institute’s scientists for achieving this prestigious recognition, endorsed earlier by the WOAH Council, and for their contributions to national and international advancements in zoonotic disease diagnostics and control.




• The DG also inaugurated the ‘Hoof & Health Gate,’ a symbolic and functional joint entrance for ICAR-NIVEDI and ICAR-IVRI, Regional Campus, Bengaluru. This gate reflects the collaborative commitment of the two institutes towards livestock health and research excellence.




• During his visit, Dr Pathak reviewed the progress of ICAR-NIVEDI. Dr Baldev R. Gulati, Director, ICAR-NIVEDI, presented an overview of the institute's achievements over the past year, highlighting advancements in livestock epidemiology, disease modelling, and contributions to national disease control programs targeting Brucellosis, PPR, African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, and Lumpy Skin Disease. Salient achievements from externally funded projects were also presented.




• The DG specifically commended ICAR-NIVEDI for being an exemplary institute in generating substantial resources through national and international competitive grants. He acknowledged the institute’s remarkable success in securing grants from prestigious agencies and international




• collaborations and emphasized that NIVEDI’s achievements are often cited as a benchmark for other ICAR institutes.




• Dr Pathak lauded NIVEDI’s impactful work in livestock disease informatics, real-time disease monitoring, and predictive analysis, as well as its initiatives in AMR/AMU studies and zoonotic disease surveillance, which play a critical role in safeguarding livestock health across the country.




• The seamless coordination of activities during the visit was managed by Dr S.S. Patil, Dr Balamurugan, and Dr C S Sathish Gowda, ensuring the event's success. The visit concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Rajeswari Shome.