Centre for One Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) in collaboration with National Academy of Veterinary Sciences (NAVS), New Delhi, developed a policy paper entitled ‘Diagnosis and Control of Rabies in India by 2030’. This policy paper was released by Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, Dr. Praveen Malik, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Government of India and Dr. H.S. Kahlon, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab.
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease which lead to death in both human and animals once the clinical symptoms start appearing. At the same instance it is 100% preventable by prophylactic vaccination. Rabies is widely distributed all over the world with its major impact in the developing countries. In India, more than 90 percent of human rabies cases occur due to exposure to rabid dogs, especially in children. The most effective strategy for prevention of human rabies is by eliminating rabies in animals through effective vaccination regimen.
Dr. Praveen Malik appreciated the collaborative efforts of GADVASU and NAVS to come up with such comprehensive document highlighting the present epidemiological status and various prevention and control strategies for this fatal endemic disease in Indian context.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh acknowledged the University and NAVS team for this endeavour and hoped that such document will act as reference material for the researchers, scientists and academicians to achieve the mission of ‘Elimination of Dog Mediated Rabies in India by 2030’. Dr. Singh emphasized the role of ‘One Health’ where there is a need for strong coordination, collaboration and communication between human and medical professionals in tackling such zoonoses affecting both human and animals. Dr. Singh congratulated Dr. JS Bedi, Director, Centre for One Health and appreciated their activities in the areas of capacity building and awareness programs for such zoonoses of public health priority.
