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Bhubaneswar, July 14: The state government will set up a state of art Referral Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and a GMP compatible viral vaccine laboratory near Bhubaneswar soon to bridge the infrastructure gap in livestock healthcare, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at Soochana Bhavan Thursday.
“The fisheries and animal resources development (F&ARD) department plans to bridge the infrastructure gap in livestock healthcare by setting up a state-of-the-art Referral Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory near Bhubaneswar and a GMP-compatible viral vaccine laboratory at Bhubaneswar,” Patnaik said at a national seminar on ‘Livestock Health’ organised by the department.
“The initiatives taken by department to establish a GMP-compatible bacterial vaccine production laboratory at Bhubaneswar is worth mentioning, as this would help in production of quality vaccine in sufficient quantity to meet the state’s requirement,” he said.
In the present scenario, most of the emerging infectious diseases in humans are originating from either animals or from birds, the Chief Minister pointed out.
“Therefore, livestock disease control is of paramount importance from the public health point of view. By preventing diseases in animals and birds, we can ensure optimal production level and a healthy society,” he said.
“There has been remarkable achievement in reducing the mortality and morbidity of livestock through various interventions such as routine de-worming, preventive vaccination and healthcare measures,” Patnaik said.
“Animal disease diagnostic facility has also been strengthened. Skill up-gradation training is imparted to livestock Inspectors to examine samples at their level. Besides, one disease diagnostic laboratory has also been established in each district,” Patnaik said.
The F&ARD department is also focusing on vaccination in and around the zoos, national parks and sanctuaries for creation of immune belts to check spread of infection and minimise the morbidity and mortality of animal diseases, he said.
“The state government has introduced mobile veterinary units in all blocks. The farmers of remote and inaccessible areas are getting veterinary services for their animals at their doo-step,” the Chief Minister said.
As many as 104 livestock inspectors, who were selected by the district selection committees, received their engagement orders at the function. These livestock inspectors will undergo training for two years, the Chief Minister said while asking them to work towards fulfilling the needs of farmers of the state.
