Itanagar, Jul 6 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Monday called for a coordinated effort involving government departments, healthcare professionals, local bodies and the public to strengthen the ‘One Health’ approach for preventing zoonotic diseases.
Stressing that animal and human health are closely linked, he urged citizens to ensure regular vaccination of pets, support scientific management of stray animals and actively contribute towards building rabies-free communities.
Addressing the state-level World Zoonoses Day here, Wangsu said nearly 60 per cent of infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals, while around 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases have an animal source, an official statement said.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for stronger coordination among veterinarians, doctors, environmental experts, civic bodies and communities to prevent future health emergencies.
“Good health does not begin in hospitals alone. It begins in our homes, farms, villages and forests, where people, animals and the environment coexist. Protecting animal health is protecting human health,” the minister said.
Earlier in the day, Wangsu inaugurated the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre at Ganga here, aimed at scientific management of stray animals, rabies prevention and promotion of animal welfare in the capital region.
He also virtually inaugurated a similar centre at Namsai to extend the facility to eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
The minister also released Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials and launched a week-long Anti-Rabies Vaccination and Animal Birth Control Awareness campaign across the state.
He administered a public pledge on responsible pet ownership, urging people to vaccinate their pets regularly, avoid abandoning animals and help create rabies-free communities.
Highlighting the significance of World Zoonoses Day, Wangsu said the day commemorates the successful administration of the world’s first rabies vaccine by Louis Pasteur on July 6, 1885, marking a milestone in disease prevention.
He praised the contribution of veterinarians, para-veterinary personnel and field workers, saying their work in vaccination, disease surveillance, food safety, emergency response and livestock healthcare plays a vital role in protecting public health.
“Every time a veterinarian vaccinates a dog against rabies, an entire neighbourhood becomes safer. Their work goes beyond treating animals as they also protect human lives, strengthen food security and support the livelihoods of farmers,” he said.
Appealing to the public to become partners in disease prevention, Wangsu urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats every year, never abandon pets and seek immediate medical attention in case of animal bites.
He also asked livestock farmers to report unusual illnesses in animals promptly and encouraged communities to support humane stray animal management through scientific Animal Birth Control and anti-rabies vaccination programmes.
The minister added that government efforts alone would not be enough to eliminate rabies and other zoonotic diseases and stressed that public participation was equally important. PTI UPL UPL RG
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