Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University’s scientists participated in a one-day works
hop on “Strengthening Response Capacities: A Workshop on Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Management” organized by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda . The event brought together experts from diverse disciplines, including medical and veterinary officers, researchers, academicians, IDSP program officers, and agricultural scientists, to strengthen collaborative efforts in zoonoses (those diseases which can be transmitted from animals to humans) prevention.
The workshop was conducted under National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, coordinated by the Division of Zoonotic Diseases, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Dr. Jasbir Singh Bedi, Director, Centre for One Health, Vet Varsity was invited as a special guest speaker, to deliver a lecture on “Veterinary Aspects of Sentinel Surveillance under the National One Health Program for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses.” Dr. Bedi highlighted Varsity’s role in addressing zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis, rabies, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and food safety through community engagement initiatives. During the panel discussion, Dr. Bedi emphasized the importance of collaboration between Vet Varsity an
d AIIMS Bathinda to develop integrated strategies for zoonotic disease control. Dr. Bedi also discussed the development of a model surveillance framework on zoonoses so that real-time data sharing can be possible between the medical and animal health department of the Punjab.
Dr. Rakesh Kakkar, HoD of Community & Family Medicine, AIIMS Bathinda, addressed the National Program for Control of Zoonoses. He provided an overview of operational guidelines for sentinel surveillance sites under the National One Health Programme.
Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Vice Chancellor, appreciated the Centre for One Health’s efforts in promoting collaborative research and reiterated the university’s commitment to tackling zoonoses affecting Punjab’s farming community. The workshop concluded with discussions on enhancing inter-institutional cooperation to implement effective One Health approaches in zoonotic disease prevention and management.
