| Photo Credit: S. Siva Saravananmore-inThe national surveillance programme for aquatic animal diseases in India, one of the largest fish disease surveillance programme implemented in the country, is all set to begin a new phase. A road map proposed for taking the surveillance programme to the next level includes developing disease-free zones and targeted active surveillance for fish pathogens in India. There has been significant improvement in the reporting of aquatic animal diseases, the researchers say. The information gathered from the ground is being compiled in a national aquatic animal disease database, which is maintained by the National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Bengaluru. Diagnostic capabilities for major OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health)-listed diseases of finfish, crustaceans and molluscs were developed under the surveillance programme and capability for diagnosis of emerging pathogens is also being continuously upgraded in the 16 States and three Union Territories.

Source: The Hindu May 13, 2017 12:00 UTC