India Celebrates Freedom From Rinderpest
INDIA - Following the global eradication of Rinderpest, India are celebrating its global freedom of the disease with a national ceremony.
24 August 2011
2 minute read
The event was organised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rudra Gangadharan, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries appreciated the help and support rendered by FAO & OIE in global eradication of the Rinderpest. While mentioning future challenges, Shri Gangadharan said that special focus is being given in the forthcoming 12th Plan on monitoring and control of emerging animal diseases.
Earlier, Dr S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR highlighted the important role of collaborations and partnerships across the country and the globe in accomplishing the success. Complimenting scientists associated with the programme, he said that green revolution could not have been possible without the eradication of Rinderpest.
Professor P.K. Uppal, FAO National Consultant and Mr. Gavin Wall, FAO Representative in India also spoke on the occasion. Scientists, researchers, policy planners and other stakeholders across the country participated in the national ceremony.
It took almost 150 years to wipe-out the disease once called Cattle-Plague due to very high level of mortality.
India has been free from clinical Rinderpest since June, 1995. However, as per norms, India submitted the dossier on August, 2005 for obtaining freedom from Rinderpest.
The International Committee of World Organisation for Animal Health, OIE recognized India as free from Rinderpest infection on 25 May, 2006.
TheCattleSite News Desk
