PRESS RELEASE

More Concerted Efforts Needed to Control and Eliminate Livestock Diseases
by 2030: Dr Bhatta

• Bengaluru, [8 July 2024]: The National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI) successfully hosted the Annual Review Meeting of the National Animal Disease Epidemiology Network (NADEN) at its campus in Bengaluru. This key event was attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG (Animal Sciences), ICAR, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.




• The meeting also welcomed Dr Ashok Kumar, ADG (Animal Health), ICAR, and Prof. L S Shashidhara, Director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, who all served as Guests of Honor. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and the importance of integrated efforts in veterinary science and disease management.




• A significant highlight of the event was the release of two innovative diagnostic kits for Lumpy Skin Disease, and Lateral flow assay (LFA) kit for Brucellosis, marking a major advancement in the management and control of these critical livestock ailments. These kits are expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities and aid in the rapid and accurate detection of the diseases, thereby facilitating timely interventions. Additionally, the latest issue of the NADRES monthly bulletin was released, providing updates and insights into ongoing research and developments in the field of animal disease epidemiology.




• In addition to these launches, a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NIVEDI and NCBS. This MoU sets the stage for enhanced cooperation and shared research initiatives between the two institutes, focusing on zoonotic diseases and their impact on both animal and human health.




• The meeting also saw the participation of 31 collaborators from different states across the country, who are part of NADEN. These collaborators presented updates on livestock disease outbreaks in their respective states, contributing to a comprehensive national perspective on animal health and disease management.




• Dr Baldev R Gulati, Director of NIVEDI, warmly welcomed the guests and participants, highlighting significant achievements of the institute, including its designation as a WOAH Reference Laboratory. Dr. Divakar Hemadri, the Coordinator of the event, ensured a seamless flow of the proceedings.




• In his address, Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG (Animal Sciences), lauded NIVEDI’s significant role in livestock disease epidemiology, particularly in the forecasting and forewarning of livestock diseases across the country, highlighting its crucial contributions to the agricultural sector. Dr Bhatta emphasized the urgent need for more concerted efforts to control and ultimately eliminate major livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Brucellosis, and Rabies by 2030.




• The Annual Review Meeting served as a platform to discuss the year's progress, future challenges, and strategies in animal disease epidemiology. The involvement of eminent scientists and researchers from across the country highlighted the collaborative efforts to advance the field of veterinary science and enhance disease control mechanisms.