The State Government would establish a state-of-the-art referral animal disease diagnostic laboratory and a GMP compatible viral vaccine laboratory near Bhubaneswar.
“The initiatives taken by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Department to establish 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.
The department is also planning to bridge the infrastructure gap in livestock health care by setting up a state-of-the-art referral animal disease diagnostic laboratory near Bhubaneswar and one GMP compatible viral vaccine laboratory at Bhubaneswar,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
He was speaking at a national seminar on livestock health organised by the department.
Patnaik said he had instructed during last review meeting held on May 25 to expedite recruitment of livestock Inspectors (lIs). Accordingly in the first phase, 98 newly-selected lIs are now undergoing training. The CM also distributed engagement orders to 104 livestock Inspectors selected through District Selection Committees.
Patnaik said that in the present scenario, most of the emerging infectious diseases in humans are originated either from animals or birds.
“Therefore, livestock disease control is of paramount importance from public health point of view. By preventing diseases in animals and birds, we can ensure optimal production level and a healthy society,” said Patnaik.
He said the department was also focusing on vaccination in and around zoo, national parks and sanctuaries for creation of immune belts to check spread of infection and minimize the morbidity and mortality of animal diseases.
Department Minister Pradeep Maharathy, MP Prasanna Patsani, MlAs Bijay Mohanty and Priyadarshi Mishra, Chief Secretary AP Padhi, Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan, department Secretary Bishnupada Sethi and OUAT VC S Pasupalak were present.