Minister Purushottam Rupala launches Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)

Tags: Government Schemes National News

On 14 April, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Purushottam Rupala launched the Animal pandemic Preparedness Initiative to holistically address animal pandemics.

An Overview of the News

• The initiative aims to enhance the country's preparedness and response to animal pandemics with a focus on zoonotic diseases that pose a threat to both animal and human health.

• The initiative will help in improving veterinary services and infrastructure, disease surveillance capabilities and awareness among farmers through community outreach.

• World Bank funded Animal Health Systems Support for One Health has also been launched, which aims to create an ecosystem for an improved animal health management system, covering five states.

• India is home to a diverse animal species and the livestock sector plays an important role in the country's economy and food security.

• The Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative is a proactive step to protect animal resources and ensure the safety and health of people.

About Zoonotic Diseases

• Definition: Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans through various means such as direct contact, consumption of contaminated food or water, inhalation of droplets, or bites from infected animals.

• Examples: include rabies, anthrax, Ebola virus, salmonella, Lyme disease, and avian influenza.

• Causes: Can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites that are found in the environment or spread by animals.

• Symptoms: May include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, diarrhoea, and respiratory symptoms.