High-Level Brainstorming Session on Avian Influenza Held Under One Health Approach

High-Level Brainstorming Session on Avian Influenza Held Under One Health Approach

Context:

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying conducted a high-level brainstorming session on Avian Influenza, emphasizing the One Health approach to enhance surveillance and vaccination strategies.

Relevance:

GS-2 (Health), GS-3 (Science and Technology, Environment)

Key Dimensions:

 

1. Public Health and One Health Approach:

  • Interconnected Health: The session focused on the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. This holistic approach is essential for effective management and prevention of zoonotic diseases like Avian Influenza.
  • Surveillance Importance: Effective surveillance of migratory birds during the winter season is crucial for early warning and control of potential outbreaks. Developing cost-effective methods for environmental surveillance is a priority.

 

2. Economic Impact:

  • Poultry Sector Significance: The poultry industry in India is vital for food security, providing high-quality protein, supporting nutritional security, and sustaining livelihoods, especially in rural areas. The sector’s growth rate of 7-10% over the past decade contributes significantly to trade, exports, and economic development.
  • Impact of HPAI Outbreaks: Recurring outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) hinder the sector’s potential, affecting exports and economic stability. Addressing these outbreaks is critical to maintaining the industry’s growth trajectory.

 

3. Scientific Research and Innovation:

  • Vaccine Development: The session highlighted the challenges of existing HPAI vaccines, which provide partial immunity but do not entirely prevent infection. Vaccinated birds can still carry and transmit the virus, complicating surveillance and detection.
  • Indigenous Vaccine Efforts: ICAR-NIHSAD in Bhopal is leading efforts to develop an indigenous vaccine against HPAI. Additionally, ICMR plans to initiate the development of cell-culture-based vaccines for human use, aiming for better prevention and control measures.

 

4. Policy and Governance:

  • Current Strategy: Experts recommend continuing the current strategy of surveillance and culling without vaccination, while emphasizing advanced research for more effective vaccines.
  • International Collaboration: The spread of the HPAI H5 virus through migratory routes underscores the need for international cooperation and information sharing to manage and control outbreaks effectively.

Conclusion:

The brainstorming session underscored the importance of a coordinated One Health approach to tackle Avian Influenza, highlighting its significance for public health, economic stability, and scientific research. Continued efforts in surveillance, vaccine development, and international collaboration are essential to mitigate the impact of Avian Influenza on the poultry sector and public health.