Punjab being a high milk producing state, is also among the highest pesticide consuming states of India, hence the high yielding dairy animals of the state are most prone to the harmful effects of pesticides exposure through soil, food, water and animal -derived oil or processed feeds. To conduct this study a major research project, “ Influence of Exposure to New Generation Insecticides on the Disposition of Antimicrobial Agents” has been awarded by University Grants Commission to Dr.Vinod Kumar Dumka, Associate Professor as Principal Investigator and Dr.Satyavan Rampal, Professor-cum-Head as Co-Principal Investigator from Department of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. Dr.S.N.S.Randhawa, Director of Research informed that a research grant of Rs. 10.37 lakh for the major research project has been sanctioned by the UGC to be undertaken in three years.
He said that presence of pesticide residues in dairy products are of great public health concern. It is extremely important to be aware of potential danger to man and domestic animals arising out of careless use of such compounds. Buffalo is an important dairy animal in Punjab and quality of its milk and contamination of milk with various toxicants would have a lot of bearing on human health. Exposure to insecticides has been reported to alter the disposition of antimicrobials in the animal body. Since farm animals are commonly exposed to low concentrations of insecticides in rural management conditions, it is necessary to investigate the influence of insecticide-toxicity on the disposition of antimicrobials in dairy animals.
Dr.Randhawa informed that studies in Punjab state have indicated high pesticide residue concentrations in milk, milk products and meat of animals. The outcome of this approved research project is expected to facilitate in understanding the possible harmful effects of newly introduced insecticides in animals and in turn to rationalize their judicious use for agricultural and veterinary practices in order to safeguard animal health and uplift the socio-economic status of the dairy farmers of the state. He further informed that the study is highly relevant in view of the growing importance of dairy farming in the state economy and the huge economic losses due to microbial diseases. The outcome of this research may help in formulating cost-effective therapeutic strategies and prevent insecticide-induced adverse effects in farm animals. Vice Chancellor, Dr.V.K.Taneja and Dr. Randhawa congratulated the scientists for bringing honors to the university.
