Jammu: The Directorate of Health Services Jammu Friday observed World Zoonoses Day with great enthusiasm and commitment towards addressing the rising threat of zoonotic diseases.
The event was organized by the State Surveillance Unit, IDSP DHS Jammu, highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach to zoonotic disease prevention and control.
State Surveillance Officer (SSO) / IDSP Jammu Division Dr. Harjeet Rai welcomed all officers of the Directorate and the stakeholders from the Animal Husbandry Department acknowledging their pivotal role in managing zoonotic threats under the One Health ‘ framework.
Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Abdul Hamid Zarger emphasized the critical need for early diagnosis, prevention and awareness regarding zoonotic diseases such as rabies, brucellosis and leptospirosis-especially relevant to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. He stressed that intersectoral collaboration is the cornerstone of effective zoonotic disease control.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta highlighted the vital role of veterinarians and animal surveillance in identifying early warning signs and outbreaks. He also encouraged capacity building and field-level training for cross-sectoral teams as part of the One Health vision.
A series of technical presentations were delivered by expert resource persons covering the key themes such as Overview of major zoonotic diseases affecting humans and animals by Dr Prem Lata, The One Health approach and the role of integrated surveillance by Dr Simran Nag, Animal Health Management and awareness programs in schools and communities by Dr Sandeep Pandita and National Action Plan for Snake bite Envenoming (NAPSE) by Dr Shehnaz Chowdhary.
In his concluding remarks, the Director stressed upon timely reporting on the IHIP/IDSP portal, active community engagement and the need to strengthen inter departmental coordination to safeguard both human and animal health.
The event was graced by CMO Jammu, Dr Harbaksh Singh, Joint Director, M.S. Institute of Animal Health and Biological Products, R.S Pura, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and all Nodal Officers of the Directorate of Health Services. The observance of World Zoonoses Day served as a platform to reinforce the shared responsibility between the health, veterinary and environmental sectors in combating zoonotic threats and moving closer to a healthier and safer Jammu & Kashmir.
