New Delhi. Covid H1N1 Prevention: Undoubtedly, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has confirmed this statement on the practical level, but it is very important to understand whether the threat of diseases emerging and spreading rapidly at the human-animal-environment interface has been averted after this pandemic.   

Abraham Ouseph is an experienced duck farmer who lives in Ward 1 of Edathua Gram Panchayat in Alappuzha district of Kerala. In the month of April this year, when the ducks on his farm started dying one by one, he informed the Animal Husbandry Department (AHD).

A flock of 7,500 ducks disappeared due to H5N1

Investigation confirmed bird flu (avian influenza, H5N1). The remaining ducks were killed by AHD's Rapid Response Teams. Ouseph lost his entire flock of 7,500 ducks due to the bird flu outbreak. Thus, the farmer, who raised ducks by taking loans, lost millions. Now it is difficult for Ouseph to think of returning to duck farming soon. 

Thousands of parties were killed

In the same month of April, ducks were also found infected with the avian influenza virus at another place, Cheruthana in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The news created panic in the surrounding areas. Instructions were issued to stop and turn back vehicles carrying poultry meat, eggs and ducks and thousands of birds were culled. According to the Government of India's Avian Influenza Action Plan, it is imperative to destroy all domestic birds within a radius of one kilometer of the affected area (epicentre).

The economic condition of the farmers is badly affected

The repeated outbreak of bird flu has put duck farming, a constant source of income for many families in these affected areas of Kerala, at a crossroads. Experts say that as it severely affects the economic condition of farmers as well as poses a threat to human health, the outbreak of avian influenza must be handled with due importance and in time.

These states of the country are affected by bird flu

This year, apart from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand have also been reported to be affected by bird flu. This year, incidents of spread of other infectious diseases have also been reported in many different areas of our country like Kyasanur forest disease in Western Ghats, West Nile Fever in Kerala and Swine Flu in Assam etc. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US), about 60 percent of known infectious diseases in humans and about 75 percent of all emerging infectious diseases are caused by pathogens that originate in animals. 

This disease can take a terrible form

The outbreaks of these infectious diseases emerging at the human-animal-environment interface from time to time across the world almost every year have clearly demonstrated that new highly infectious agents attempt to spread rapidly in the environment whenever they get the opportunity and can assume a monstrous form if not controlled in time.

How to prevent these diseases?

In such a situation, a thought emerges as to how these diseases can be prevented or controlled in time. As a solution, there appears to be a need to implement coordinated efforts at various levels. The concept of One Health has emerged out of this need and for this reason, its application is being developed at the national and international level. 

What is One Health?

One Health is an integrated and holistic approach that recognizes that human health, animal health, and the health of the environment around us (the shared environment) are closely interconnected, in particular that human health is heavily dependent on the health of the other two.

To tackle health threats to humans, animals and the environment, and to achieve sustainable health balance for all, there is a need for collaboration at different levels, across sectors and disciplines, to bring the concept of One Health to life on the ground.

Who is the Associate Coordinator of One Health?

For information, let us tell you that currently Dr. Shaili Mittal is working as 'Associate Coordinator- One Health' in the World Wide Fund for Nature - India (WWF-India) Secretariat. She has a background in Veterinary Sciences (Veterinary Sciences, BVSc, MVSc, PhD).

'One Health' is an emerging concept and important health strategy at national and international forums. As One Health is a fairly new conservation aspect in WWF-India's network, she is keen and committed to explore ways to develop an understanding of the One Health approach within the WWF-India organization and to further strengthen the conservation and livestock health aspects of rural communities through One Health.

These reasons are causing growing concern

This is why international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE/ WOAH) have also strongly advocated this concept. 

The ever-increasing exploitation of natural resources, the rapid expansion of agricultural activity, international trade, urbanization and the growing use of antibiotics are negatively impacting the health of the environment and the species living in it, including humans. To reduce the negative impacts of these man-made disasters, a long-term approach needs to be established that can provide solutions built on environmentally friendly development activities.

There is a dire need to create awareness

Forest fringe areas, where human settlements adjoin forests, are particularly vulnerable to disease transmission that emerges at the interface between wildlife, livestock and humans. Here, inadequate health infrastructure and lack of disease awareness make the situation even more complex for rural households vulnerable to external shocks.

Diseases spreading among livestock and wild animals pose challenges to the livelihoods of local community people as well as to wildlife conservation. To address all these challenges, there is a dire need to create awareness about adopting sustainable practices with the participation of people from rural communities. 

How does One Health work?

This approach inspires multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities at different levels of society to work together. Data on the incidence of infectious diseases and related behaviors in both humans and animals is systematically collected and analyzed. In this way, new and better ideas are developed that identify and analyze root causes and create long-term, sustainable solutions. One Health involves public human health, veterinary medicine, environment, science, and technology sectors.

One Health- Importance for India 

India is one of the countries with the highest livestock population in the world and has a high density of human population as well as rich biodiversity and hence the risk of inter compartmental spread of diseases cannot be ruled out.

The ever-increasing threat of diseases emerging at the human-animal-environment interface highlights that holistic health is not only about addressing diseases from a human health perspective but also needs to focus on the health aspects of livestock and wildlife. 

Efforts of Indian Government in One Health Mission

The Government of India is making efforts to bring together human, animal and environmental health. There has been an increase in collaboration and cooperation at the national and state levels under various National Disease Control programs.

Emphasis is being laid on joint research priorities, under which 'One Health Centre' (National Institute for One Health, NIOH) has been established in Nagpur. One Health Support Unit has been established in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. 

Why is it important to adopt One Health in India?

One Health is not only a health approach but also an important step towards a sustainable and prosperous society. Small awareness efforts and improvement in practices can solve big challenges. One Health needs to be implemented at the grassroots level to repair the increase in animal-human conflict and damage to health due to interference with the environment.

In India, One Health is in its early stages. Adopting this approach is especially important in India, where health, environment, and livelihoods are closely linked. Through awareness, expansion of services, and environmental protection, we can move towards a healthier and safer future.