August 21, 2018

India chief minister opened veterinary hospital, called for controlled antibiotics use

Uninhibited antibiotics use on livestock has created a problem for public health and it needs to be controlled, said Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, India, earlier this month.

Following the inauguration of Kerala's first multi-specialty veterinary hospital at Kudappanakunnu, Vijayan expressed concern over the rising trend of self-medication by mixing antibiotics in livestock feeds and water. Given the threat to human health with such practices, he called for efforts to create awareness among the farming community regarding this danger.

The new hospital, according to Vijayan, will provide modern treatment for birds and animals, signifying progress in reforming the local animal husbandry sector. It will function round the clock in three shifts, and features an in-patient facility, an intensive care unit, gynaecology, surgery and medicine departments, pathology specialist services, an advanced laboratory facility and a medical store.

Vijayan acknowledged continuous efforts which had led to advancement in animal husbandry, even as the farm sector was impacted by crisis. He also said Kerala could soon become self-sufficient in milk production.

In addition, a law may be enacted which would ensure the supply of high quality cattle and poultry feed to farmers, commented Kerala's Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Raju, who was also at the inauguration.

- The Hindu