Srinagar: A US expert on vector-borne disease, Prof Roman Ganta, delivered a special talk on advancing One Health strategies at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama campus.
Chair, Department of Pathobiology, the University of Missouri, Columbia United States, Dr Ganta, delivered the talk ‘Tick-borne diseases of global importance: building bridges from basic research to application’ during the daylong workshop on Advancing One Health Strategies for Combating Vector-borne Diseases held at the university’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shuhama.
The workshop was sponsored by the University’s IDP-NAHEP and organized by the Division of Veterinary Parasitology.
Researchers and faculty from SKIMS, GMC Srinagar, University of Kashmir, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments of J&K Government along with the veterinary faculty of SKUAST-K participated in the workshop organised under the sponsorship of the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project. The workshop was part of the series of SKUAST-K’s initiative of institutionalising One Health in J&K.
While sharing his research journey, Prof Roman sensitized the audience about the economic and societal implications of vector-borne diseases of One Health significance. He highlighted the challenges and potential gaps in the control and eradication of vector-borne diseases with special emphasis on the use of vaccines over antibiotics for better animal, human and environmental health.
Prof RA Shahardar, Head, Division of Parasitology & Workshop Director threw light on the identification of vectors and vector-borne pathogens, and control strategies for effective vector control.
Prof MT Banday, Dean Veterinary Faculty emphasized the role of joint and collaborative efforts for the optimum health of animals and humans. He said that frequent international travel by humans and interstate movement of livestock are responsible for the emergence of new diseases in humans and animals.
The organizing secretary of the workshop Dr Idrees M Allaie talked about the changing disease scenario in Kashmir due to climate change and the frequent interface of people and livestock with wild animals and the forest vector population. Dr KH Bulbul welcomed the participants and Dr ZA Wani presented the vote of thanks.

KR Desk