In view of rise in cases of Brucellosis — a bacterial disease affecting cattle like cow and buffalow, which causes fever in humans — the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under Union Ministry of Science & Technology has launched a pilot project called “Brucella Free Villages” in 50 villages, Under the project, effort will be made to develop novel diagnostics and vaccines to tackle the disease.
The programme which to be introduced in 50 villages, covering 10 States, was inaugurated by YS Chowdary, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences recently at the Brucellosis 2016 International Research Conference held here. Sudarshan Bhagat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Prof. Vijayraghavan, Secretary, DBT were also prsent.
“India is the world’s largest milk producer and hosts around 20 per cent of the world’s livestock population There is an urgent need for addressing this important issue of not only livestock health and production, but also public health,” Bhagat said.
India is a brucellosis endemic country with approximately 3 to 5 per cent of cattle and buffaloes, and around 4 per cent sheep and goats infected with Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis respectively. People acquire the infection by consuming unpasteurized milk and other dairy products, and by coming in contact with the contaminated animal secretions and tissues.
“The Department of Biotechnology on its part has intiated a Network Project on Brucellosis. The project aims at studying the epidemiological status of Brucella infections in India and to develop novel diagnostics and vaccines,” said Prof. K. Vijayraghavan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology.
“These major initiatives are led by Dr SR Rao Advisor, Department of Biotechnology and Dr H Rahman DDG ICAR through an active and seamless partnership,” said Dr Padma Singh, Programme Officer, DBT.
WHO considers brucellosis as the world’s most spread of all zoonoses and apart from its toll on people, it has enormous impact on the animals industry.
Welcoming the DBT programme, Dr Uday Kakroo, Consultant Veterinarian said the infection can be controlled and eliminated by vaccinating the cattle.
“There is no vaccine available for humans. One should not eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products such as milk, cheese or ice cream made from unpasteurized milk.
“Also, one should use protective glasses and clothes such as rubber gloves, masks, gowns or aprons and wash hands thoroughly with soap and antiseptics after touching the animals,” Dr Karoo added.
He said that in humans, brucellosis can cause range of symptoms that are similar to the flu and may include fever, sweats, headache, back pain and physical weakness. Severe infections of the central nervous system or lining of the heart may also occur.