An ‘International School on One Health:: Integrated view on infectious Diseases, Food Safety and Zoonoses Inaugurated was inaugurated in School of Public health and Zoonoses GADVASU on November 5, 2014. Dr. V. K Taneja, Vice- Chancellor, GADVASU, inaugurated this event and expressed his views that the use of ‘One Health’ concept has ushered new hopes for resurrection of Veterinary Public Health in India. The ‘One Health’ concept assumes huge significance in developing countries such as India. He informed the audience that lack of an integrated approach between Medical, veterinary and environmental health agencies is the major hindrance to solve the complex problems affecting human, animal and environmental health. In the modern era, the zoonotic infections and epidemics could only be averted through combined efforts of medical and veterinary scientists. He give emphasis on interdisciplinary approach will definitely provide an answer to these highly integrated public health issues. He said that diseases like Ebola, Rabies, Tuberculosis, SARS, Avian Influenza and Anthrax required a joint approach of different disciplines.
Dr. JPS GILL, Organizing Secretary of this event and Director, School of Public Health & Zoonoses informed that this international event is being organized to discuss and promote the concept of “One Health “ which takes into account the combined health
of humans, animals and environment. This event will focus on the issues of environmental pollutants, emerging infectious diseases and food safety issues. More than 100 international and national delegates are taking part in this mega event. Dr Gill informed that hands on training was imparted to participants on detection of antibiotic, pesticide and heavy metal residues, aflatoxins from food of animal origin especially milk, meat and their products. The participants were also provided hands on training for diagnostics of infectious diseases such as Brucellosis and Rabies.
On this occasion, Dr. Douglas Freeman, Dean, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada gave insight view on the efforts being made at the international level to promote the idea of “One Health” across the globe. Dr. Baljit Singh, Associate Dean Research, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, discussed the ongoing collaboration between University of Saskatchewan and GADVASU, Ludhiana.
Dr Hugh Townsend from Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization discussed with delegates about effective designing of research experiment for proper surveillance and epidemiological research. Dr Gagandeep Singh Head Neurology, Dayanand Medical College in his expert lecture gave emphasis on role of sanitation and slaughter house hygiene practices to control emergence of neurocyticercosis. Dr Kamini Walia from Indian Council of Medical Research gave overview of emergence of antibiotic resistance and role of Govt agencies to combat resistance.
