India has initiated a first-ever inter-ministerial scientific study to detect zoonotic diseases that may transmit from birds to humans, especially in bird-human-forest interaction zones. The study reflects India’s strategic application of the One Health approach—recognizing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment.
Study Title: “Building a surveillance model for detecting zoonotic spillover in increased bird-human interaction settings using the One Health approach.”
Key Highlights
- Launched by: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Headquarters.
- Focus Areas:
- Selected bird sanctuaries and wetlands in Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
- Covers health monitoring of human populations, migratory birds, and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Strategic Location: India lies along the Central Asian migratory bird flyway, increasing zoonotic transmission risk in bird sanctuaries.
Target Groups
- Bird sanctuary workers, rescue teams, veterinarians, and nearby residents are the most vulnerable due to close interaction with wild birds.
- Study aims to develop a real-time surveillance model to:
- Detect and diagnose zoonotic diseases.
- Use tools like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify emerging pathogens early.
Participating Ministries
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Ministry of Agriculture
Significance of the Study
- Establishes India’s first early warning system for zoonotic spillovers.
- Enhances pandemic preparedness by identifying potential public health threats early.
- Promotes One Health integration by bridging wildlife, environmental, and human health domains.