The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Zunheboto, celebrated World Veterinary Day at North Point Colony, Zunheboto town under the theme ‘veterinarians are essential health workers’ on April 27. (DIPR Photo)
Dimapur, April 28 (MExN): The World Veterinary Day 2024 was celebrated across Nagaland state under the theme ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers’ on April 27.
In Medziphema, it was held at Veterinary Field Assistant Training Institute (VFATI), Medziphema, organised by Nagaland Veterinarians Association and sponsored by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service, Nagaland, stated a DIRP report.
The special invitee, ADC Medziphema, James Swu highlighted the significance and responsibilities of veterinarians, their vital role in productivities of livestock, which forms a crucial part in human life. The ADC urged the veterinarians to raise awareness and educate the people about combating zoonotic diseases and the department for organizing such an auspicious day.
Dr KN Zubemo Humtsoe President, Nagaland Veterinarians Association (NVA) in his presidential address acknowledged the critical role that veterinarians play in safeguarding the interconnected health of animals, humans, and the environment. “From ensuring food safety and security to combating zoonotic diseases and promoting public health, veterinarians play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interconnected health of our planet,” said Dr Humtsoe.
The NVA President called on all veterinarians in Nagaland and around the world to rededicate themselves to the profession with pride and unwavering dedication as essential health workers. The association also emphasised the potential of the livestock industry to improve the state’s living standards, health, economy, and environment.
Jalukie: The faculty, staffs and students of College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie celebrated World Veterinary Day. On this occasion, a free vaccination cum awareness programme was conducted for the pet owners of Peren district.
In addition lecture on the theme was delivered by Prof A Palanisammi, Gynecology Department and poster making competition was conducted for the students.
The chief guest Dr I Shakuntala, Dean of the college stressed on the importance of Animal Health care as an essential and integral part of human health at large, veterinary science contributes not only to animal health and well-being but also to human’s physical, mental and social wellbeing, all together 220 pet animals (Canine and feline) were provided free vaccination.
Kohima: The Chief Veterinary Office, Kohima observed the day at Veterinary Hospital Kohima and Chiephobozou. Dr Ilang, Chief Veterinary Officer, Kohima, spoke on the significance of World Veterinary Day, highlighting the diverse contributions of veterinarians to society. He stressed their roles in areas such as food security, ecological balance, biomedical research, and economic development. Dr Ilang also addressed concerns regarding the status of veterinarians as essential health workers, urging the government to reconsider its policy and reinstate the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) as an essential services department in Nagaland. A presentation on rabies awareness was made by Dr Aonungla Jamir, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon (VAS) Kohima. The programme included free consultation and anti-rabies vaccinations for animals particularly dogs.
Tuensang: Tuensang District observed World Veterinary Day at CVO Office Tuensang. Speaking on the occasion Dr Aojongshi Chang F/M, SCRC highlighted the importance of Veterinary Day observation as it recognises and honour the contribution of Veterinarians in the field of healthcare and promoting public health.
He stated that the aim of Celebration is to promote the Veterinary profession and work on improvement of the animal and human welfare food safety and practices of animal transport and quarantine. He added that veterinarians help prevent and treat illness in animals which in return improve the economy of state, improve the breeds of livestock and improve the health of the people.
Wokha: Wokha district observed the day at Veterinary Hospital, Wokha. SDO (C) Nuhuta Tunyi, addressing the officials and staff of Veterinary department encouraged them to take up pro-active steps and measures in providing notable service to the people of the district.
Dr Yanben Kikon, VAS said that veterinarians illuminate a pivotal role in global health presenting crucial guardians at the intersection of human animal and environmental wellbeing. Stressing on the importance of the department he stated that the Veterinary Department was inducted under essential services by the Government during the COVID-19 pandemic as the emergent animal services as shutting down of veterinary services cannot be ignored. Shutting down of veterinary services would affect not only animals’ health and welfare but also human health as well.
He further said that with the provision of Mobile Veterinary Unit in every district farmers and entrepreneurs could now avail veterinary services anytime by dialing toll free No.1962. The state veterinary department also works in collaboration with various departments such as Agri. ATMA, NSRLM, ICAR-KVK, IFAD by providing recourse person to address the grievances of the farmers and to uplift their economy.
Addressing on the outbreak of African swine fever, Dr Gwazenlo stated that ASF is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, which is responsible for serious economic losses with mortality rate up to 100%. He stated that highest bio-security measures are adopted while rearing pigs to prevent the spread of the African swine fever.
Kiphire: The World Veterinary Day was observed at the Veterinary Hospital, Kiphire with Dr Tsulise District Livestock Development officer (DLDO) & incharge of Chief Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Officer Kiphire as the theme speaker.
Dr Tsulise said that veterinarians are professionals specialised in multi-disciplinary fields, and have huge role to play for the wellbeing of both the animals as well as the human beings. The department holds huge responsibility for upliftment of rural economy through fully utilising skills and knowledge in caring the livestock. “We also play crucial role for the wellbeing of human beings,” he said this while informing that “80% of the human disease was transmitted from animals.” He added that if we could raise livestock in proper manner putting check on animal diseases, human health will be better.
Dr Tsulise also highlighted on his new research based on 2011 human population census, and livestock census 2019. He informed that requirement of livestock for Kiphire district is 4000 tons, whereas meat availability especially pork is only 2000 tons, with shortage of 2000 tons.
Zunheboto: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Zunheboto celebrated World Veterinary Day at North Point Colony, Zunheboto town. The public were sensitized about the importance of timely vaccination of pet animals and its crucial role in prevention of zoonotic diseases. Free Anti-Rabies vaccination and animal health camp was conducted by the department through Dr. Vilitoli Y Kiba (VAS) and Dr Enavi P Kiho(VAS). Altogether 35 farmers were benefitted from free animal health camp and 126 numbers of animals were vaccinated against rabies.
Phek: Phek district observed World Veterinary Day at Jericho Colony Hall, Phek. Dr Esther Krocha CVO, Phek & Finance Secretary NVA presented the keynote address while Dr Tshokedu Keyho VAS, Khezhakeno, read out the NVA Presidential address. PowerPoint presentations on “Public Health & Zoonosis” and on “Rabies Prevention & Control” were made by Dr Velilu Epao and Dr Rosou Pohena VAS, Pfutsero.
Longleng: The World Veterinary Day was observed at Veterinary Hospital, Longleng with an interface meeting with representatives from the Longleng Town Council, KVK, Medical and Forest departments. Dr Lily Ngullie, ACTO, KVK Longleng delivered the keynote address while Dr Aoyimsen Jamir, VS Longleng & VP, NVA gave a presentation on the theme.
Discussing on the theme, Dr Asungla Imchen, Epidemiologist from the Medical department acknowledged the services of the veterinarians and the target to Eradicate Rabies by 2030 will be an uphill task without the assistance from the veterinary department.
Chepeü Koza, Forest Ranger also reminded the gathering on the continued effort towards the One Health concept and acknowledged the active role played by veterinarians with the Forest department not just in restraint, capture or transport of wild animals; but also in spreading awareness and providing health care in their department’s community programs.
Issac Pongshi from the Longleng Town Council (LTC) also appreciated on the efforts and assistance of the Veterinary department during the enforcement of the annual Dog Registration and Proper Control of Dogs in Longleng under the LTC. He also shared the concerns on why there is no Interstate Quarantine Check Post between the Assam-Longleng route at Yonglok, so as to detect and prevent the entry of diseased animals and birds for the local market.
