Strengthening Veterinary Services through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

The Union Animal Husbandry and Dairying Ministry has announced initiatives to strengthen veterinary services in India through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Details:

A three-day workshop, organized in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), focused on enhancing disease control programs, developing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free zones, and improving veterinary infrastructure and workforce capacity.
Focus Areas of the PPP Model:
Vaccine platform development and veterinary workforce enhancement
Expansion of institutional infrastructure and creation of FMD-free zones
Strengthening of disease surveillance programs
Establishment of NABL-accredited veterinary laboratories at the district level

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD):

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral ailment affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer.
Characterized by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue, lips, and between the hooves.
FMD can lead to severe economic losses in the livestock industry due to decreased productivity and trade restrictions.
The disease is caused by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV), belonging to the Aphthovirus genus within the Picornaviridae family.
There are seven serotypes of FMDV: O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3, and Asia 1, each with multiple subtypes.
FMD spreads through direct contact with infected animals, as well as via contaminated feed, equipment, and clothing.
Airborne transmission is also possible, especially in temperate zones.
The virus can survive in the environment for extended periods, particularly in cool and moist conditions.
Diagnostic methods include virus isolation, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and serological tests to detect antibodies.
Vaccination: Regular immunization using vaccines matching the circulating serotype.

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH):

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), formerly known as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), is an intergovernmental organization established in 1924.
WOAH serves as the global authority on animal health, aiming to improve animal health and welfare worldwide.
It is recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a reference body for international standards related to animal health and zoonoses.
Collecting, analysing, and disseminating veterinary scientific information to inform policies and strategies.
Providing support to member countries during animal health crises.
Developing health standards for international trade in animals and animal products to prevent the spread of diseases.
Promoting practices that ensure the safety of food of animal origin and the welfare of animals.
Partnering with other international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to address global health challenges.