The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), successfully conducted a multi-sectoral workshop titled “Risk-based Management of Spillover Events in Wildlife in India” from September 11th to 12th, 2023, at the Radisson Hyderabad Hitec City, Hyderabad.
The workshop, inaugurated by Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, and WOAH Regional Representative for Asia Pacific, Dr. Hirofumui Kugita, featured distinguished experts from WOAH, including Dr. Paolo Tizzani, Dr. Lesa Thompson, Dr. Jacqueline Lusat, and Dr. Basilio Valdehuesa. It brought together 25 participants from Animal Husbandry, Human Health, and Wildlife sectors representing six Indian states: Kerala, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana. Additionally, 13 experts from ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI) and the Centre for Wildlife IVRI participated, with observers from WHO, FAO, USAID Rise, and the One Health Support Unit (OHSU).
The workshop had four main objectives: enhancing stakeholder knowledge about wildlife-origin disease risk analysis, conducting a comprehensive gap analysis of India’s risk assessment and management, simulating disease spillover scenarios, and promoting communication and awareness among relevant stakeholders. The event comprised seven sessions, including two dedicated to risk analysis simulations (one for disease X and one specific to India).
The workshop concluded with discussions on the way forward, emphasizing the importance of a One Health approach, cross-sectoral collaboration, and pandemic preparedness. This collaborative effort between WOAH and the Government of India highlights their dedication to building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world in a time where the health of wildlife, domestic animals, and humans is intricately linked. The “One Health” approach of collaboration and coordination remains vital for a sustainable future.