SKUAST-Kashmir celebrates World Zoonosis Day

Srinagar: SKUAST-K, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry today celebrated world Zoonosis day-2021 with the theme “Understanding Zoonosis in era of pandemic”. The event was organised by Division of Veterinary Microbiology in collaboration with Division of Veterinary& Animal Husbandry Extension and sponsored by World bank funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP).
The symposium organised was attended by scientists and students both in physical and virtual mode.
The prominent speakers included Prof. M.S. Khuroo, Ex. Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Asst. Director General ICAR, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Wani, Ex. Director Education SKUAST-K and Dr. Saleem Kamli from CDC Atlanta, USA. Dean FVSC & A.H in his opening remarks exhorted veterinarians &medical professionals to address the problem of Zoonotic diseases. Professor Nazir. A Ganai Director planning stressed upon integrating the veterinarians, medical professionals, environmentalists and Food technology experts to further understanding the “One Health Concept”. He stressed on capacity building in terms of infrastructure & human resource to take on the challenge of zoonotic diseases and bio-safety issue.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K who addressed the gathering in virtual mode highlighted the importance of animal agriculture and associated risks of Zoonotic disease. He stressed on capacity building in terms of rapid and accurate disease diagnosis and enhanced quality of veterinary services that are affordable and accessible. Prof. M.S. Khuroo in his presentation discussed the historical perspective about discovery of Hepatitis –E. Hepatitis-Evirus is an emerging global disease that is found almost everywhere in animal kingdom.
Dr. Ashok Kumar highlighted the role of one health approach for zoonotic diseases as 75% of the emerging diseases are zoonotic in nature. Prof. Shakil Ahmad Wani talked about the the topic “Zoonosis-Role of veterinarians”. He highlighted the importance of the future generation to learn from failures in order to frame the success in future.Dr. Saleem Kamli discussed about the recent Covid pandemic and its mitigation strategies. He also discussed the positive side of Covid for bringing all walks of life together. Prof. Sarfaraz Ahmad Wani Director Research was the guest of honour for the valedictory function. He highlighted the role of the World Zoonosis day” in the present pandemic scenario and role of veterinarians in controlling emerging and remerging diseases. The symposium was held under strict Covid SOPs.

KR Desk