The Uttar Pradesh government is strengthening its surveillance and diagnostic capabilities to tackle zoonotic threats. Under the RISE GHS Project, active monitoring of migratory birds is being conducted across 19 Ramsar sites.

Key Takeaways

  • UP is implementing the 'One Health' framework for early zoonotic disease detection.
  • Active surveillance for Avian Influenza is underway at 19 Ramsar sites and wetlands.
  • A specialized Compendium has been developed to train field veterinarians.
  • Enhanced ELISA-based testing and farm-level biosecurity are being prioritized in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur.

The Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Department has announced a major push to strengthen the early identification and reporting of emerging zoonotic diseases. Mukesh Kumar Meshram (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, emphasized that the state is adopting the 'One Health' approach to integrate human, animal, and environmental health management.

Surveillance Under RISE GHS Project

Under the RISE Global Health Security (RISE GHS) Project, the Animal Husbandry Department, in collaboration with the Forest and Wildlife Department, has successfully conducted active surveillance for Avian Influenza among wild migratory birds. This surveillance focused on 19 Ramsar sites and other critical wetland locations across the state. During the previous migratory season, over 1,100 samples were analyzed at IVRI, Bareilly.

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Strengthening Diagnostic and Field Capacity

To ensure rapid response, the department is upgrading its diagnostic infrastructure through ELISA-based testing. Furthermore, a new Compendium for Veterinarians has been launched to standardize case definitions and improve disease reporting protocols among field staff. Specific interventions are also being implemented in the Pilibhit and Gorakhpur districts to improve farm-level biosecurity and infection control.

Coordinated interdepartmental action is the cornerstone of preventing spillover risks from animals to humans.

BozokMedia analysis shows that by focusing on high-risk zones like wetlands and specific districts like Gorakhpur, the state is building a proactive rather than reactive healthcare model. The upcoming migratory season will see an even more intensive surveillance drive across all key wetland sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the goal of the RISE GHS Project in UP?
The project aims to enhance global health security by improving surveillance, laboratory capacity, and outbreak preparedness for zoonotic diseases.

2. Where are the samples being tested?
Samples collected from migratory birds are primarily tested at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly.

Did You Know?: Zoonotic diseases are infections that jump from animals to humans, accounting for a significant portion of emerging infectious diseases.