Pandemic Fund Project 

Syllabus: GS3/Animal Husbandry

Context

• The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Pandemic Fund Project on Animal Health Security.

About

• The Pandemic Fund Project is a $25 Million initiative funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund.
• Two important documents were also launched:
  • Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG): Outlines best practices for veterinary care, aimed at improving the overall health and productivity of livestock and supporting the national action plan for Antimicrobial resistance.
  • Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases: It will provide a framework for managing and responding to outbreaks of animal diseases, ensuring rapid containment and mitigation.

Pandemic Fund Project

• The Fund is to be implemented in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is to be utilised by August 2026. 
• The Fund supports the existing initiatives of the department through enhancing disease surveillance.
• It is also aimed at developing human capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of animal health human resources. 
• The project is designed to enhance India’s animal health security through the following five key outputs:

Need

• Zoonotic Diseases: India faces significant challenges from zoonotic diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and avian influenza.
  • These diseases can spread between animals and humans, highlighting the need for integrated surveillance and control measures involving both human and animal health sectors.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): India has high rates of antimicrobial resistance due to the widespread use of antibiotics in human healthcare, veterinary medicine, and agriculture.
  • One Health approaches are crucial to mitigate AMR by promoting responsible antibiotic use across all sectors.
• Livestock and Agriculture: Agriculture and livestock farming are major economic sectors in India.
  • These strategies can ensure sustainable agricultural practices that promote animal welfare, reduce disease transmission, and enhance food security.
• Emerging Infectious Diseases: India, like many countries, faces threats from emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
  • These diseases often originate at the human-animal-environment interface, underscoring the importance of early detection, rapid response, and collaborative efforts between health sectors.

India’s Livestock

• India has World’s highest number of livestock of 536 million (including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs). 
• India has the second largest poultry market in the world.
• Second largest producer of fish and also second largest aquaculture nation in the world.
• The livestock provides food items such as Milk, Meat and Eggs for human consumption. India is number one milk producer in the world. 

Government Initiatives

• National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): It is a flagship scheme launched in 2019 for control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population.
• National Livestock Mission (NLM): The NLM, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to ensure sustainable development of the livestock sector, including dairy farming.
  • It focuses on increasing the productivity of livestock, improving their health, and providing support for fodder and feed resourc

• National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR): India launched the NAP-AMR in 2017 to address antimicrobial resistance across human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. 
• National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC): The NCDC plays a key role in disease surveillance and response in India, including zoonotic diseases.
  • It collaborates with animal health agencies such as the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries (DAHDF).
• Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): IDSP monitors disease outbreaks across India and includes zoonotic diseases in its surveillance efforts, thereby promoting a One Health approach in disease monitoring.

Source: PIB