INFECTION RISKS FROM ANIMALS ON THE RISE

Seventy-five per cent of the infectious diseases affecting humans have originated in animals. The cause of contracting these diseases is neglect of environment i.e. contamination, pollution and degradation of air, water and land.

These disruptions are leading to cross-species infections and disease transmission. The Indian Medical Association has appealed to the government to start a ‘one health programme’ that will enable study and proper understanding of disease outbreaks.

Dr K. K. Aggarwal, former president of IMA, said, “It is becoming very important to consult animal healthcare professionals, environmentalists and agriculture professionals and work collaboratively to develop solutions for these emerging problems. Crossinfections have been noticed over the last three decades. And with withering forest cover, more and more animals are getting closer to human habitation on urban outskirts. This is increasing the risk.”

The IMA insists that a ‘one health programme’ will get specialists of all fields under one umbrella and help deal with the issue.

Recent outbreaks of swine flu and glanders in animals have created an alarming situation, increasing the need to safeguard human health. There is a demand to incorporate this concept in the forthcoming Budget so that there is better co-ordination among departments which will pave way for preventive care.