November 6, 2024

India unveils crisis management plan to combat zoonotic disease outbreaks

India has introduced a Crisis Management Plan (CMP) on animal health in response to the growing threat of zoonotic diseases like swine flu, Nipah virus, and bird flu.

These diseases, which can spread from animals to humans, have posed increasingly frequent risks to public health. The newly released CMP focuses on disease surveillance, early detection, and effective response strategies to manage outbreaks efficiently.

The plan prioritises rapid action and continuous monitoring to limit the impact of zoonotic diseases. Key elements include early warning systems to predict potential outbreaks and a coordinated crisis response to ensure prompt containment.

In addition, the CMP highlights the importance of capacity-building initiatives. It includes training for veterinarians and farm staff to ensure quick and informed decision-making during outbreaks. Prevention remains a core focus, with biosecurity measures, vaccination programmes, and public awareness campaigns aimed at minimising disease risks as cost-effective strategies.

To support comprehensive outbreak management, the plan fosters collaboration among stakeholders at both national and local levels. Government departments, veterinary services, and local communities are encouraged to work together in managing and recovering from disease outbreaks.

A major component of the CMP is its reliance on digital infrastructure through the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM). The NDLM is designed to create a robust digital ecosystem within India's animal husbandry sector, enhancing animal health surveillance and preparedness.

Among its initiatives is the Unique Animal Identification system, which assigns a unique ID to each animal linked to the farmer's ID. This enables a centralised database that tracks each animal's movements, health records, and other critical information. By providing real-time data, this system facilitates the swift identification and isolation of diseased animals, helping to prevent further spread.

The digital infrastructure of the NDLM will also support data-driven decision-making, giving policymakers insights into disease patterns, animal movements, and market trends. Such information will aid in making informed decisions on disease prevention, resource allocation, and market interventions, ensuring resilience within India's livestock sector in the face of future disease challenges.

-      Business Standard