Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana launched two days National Workshop and Brainstorming on “Strategy on control and eradication of formidable Trans-boundary viral diseases of Livestock- Foot and Mouth disease (FMD), Lumpy skin disease (LSD) and African Swine Fever (ASF)" from 14 to 15 November, 2022. The event is organized jointly with National Academy of Veterinary Sciences India (NAVS). On the first day, a detailed discussion on impact and control measures for FMD was carried out. The m
embers from Academia, Industry, Policy framing organizations, farmers, scientists from prestigious institutions, animal health professionals, vaccine manufacturers, progressive farmers from dairy & piggery associations participated in this event to discuss the emerging health challenges and their possible prevention and control in India. A Mobile App developed by GADVASU on ‘Vaccine Preventable Animal Diseases’ was launched on this occasion. FMD, LSD and ASF are highly contagious devastating diseases of livestock, wherein FMD and LSD affect cattle and buffaloes, while ASF causes disease in pigs.
Dr. DVR Prakasha Rao, President NAVS & Chief Guest of the event highlighted the importance of controlling transboundary diseases and applauded the effort of GADVASU in organizing this much needed programme.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, GADVASU and Organizing Secretary welcomed the delegates and participants. He briefed about the status of FMD, Lumpy Skin Disease and African Swine Fever in the state Vis-à-vis role of GADVASU in controlling and creating awareness amongst the stakeholders.
Dr. RP Singh, Director, Directorate of FMD, ICAR discussed the status of FMD in India. He revealed that three variants of FMD virus namely O, A & Asia-1 are prevalent across the country and the outbreak occurs more frequently in winter. Real Reporting of disease incidents, trivalent vaccine, stakeholders' awareness, cold chain maintenance, involving Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Mobile service units are some of the key areas needed to be focused in the future.
Dr. N.K. Kakkar from Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Hisar highlighted the results of the combined vaccine of HS & FMD in Haryana and he submitted that it is safe and without any adverse reaction.
Dr. Ajit Singh Yadav, Director, National Institute of Animal Health had thrown light on importance of quality control in FMD vaccine in maintaining adequate titer in animals to protect them from these devastating diseases.
Members from progressive farmers' associations expressed their concerns and raised doubts about FMD which were cleared by the experts.
Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Director of Research and Co-organizing secretary added that such attemp
ts are very fruitful as it encompasses expert views from all the stakeholders which may act as a reference for policy framers. Dr. Y.P.S. Malik, Dean, College of Animal Biotechnology and Co-organizing secretary revealed that this programme will help in mounting recommendations and roadmap to work upon in future. The deliberations will also pave the way to handle these diseases in an effective manner. This workshop is being conducted under dual mode (online & physical) and has been attended by over 100 delegates from different parts of India
