The COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown severely affected India’s livestock sector, halting supply chains and disrupting food production, processing, distribution, trade and consumption. According to a report by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the pandemic noticeably affected the routine vaccination program carried out by the government for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), usually conducted at a six-month interval. Similarly, the discontinued surveillance programs designed for important livestock and poultry diseases caused a major setback in disease forecasting during the period.
While taking note of the situation, the Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), organized a summit on January 11 in Hyderabad, to address pressing issues surrounding pandemic preparedness and vaccine innovation.
The summit featured discussion on a range of topics including animal health, human health, regulatory frameworks and supply chains. To mark the conclave as carbon-neutral, the IIL also planted 141 trees.
According to Indian Immunologicals Ltd., India is now referred to as the global vaccine-hub, with over 60 per cent of the global vaccines being manufactured in the country. Hyderabad is the vaccine bastion with more than 50 per cent of the vaccine manufacturers operating out of the city. Secretary to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Alka Upadhyaya pressed upon the necessity of increased investment in animal health and improvement of supply chain systems to ensure effective vaccine delivery.
India is home to more than 20 per cent of livestock worldwide. As per the NAAS report, “the COVID-19 fear and lockdown impacted 10 lakh broiler poultry farmers and 2 lakh layer farmers, and by the end of April 2020, the losses due to the same were estimated at Rs. 27,000 crores”. Similarly, the lockdown, imposed in May 2021, led to a sharp dip in the procurement of milk by dairy firms and hoteliers, affecting 1.5 million dairy farmers. Demand for poultry feed in the country fell over 30 per cent during the pandemic.
Speaking on the occasion, Member-Health, NITI AAYOG Dr. V.K. Paul emphasized that the ‘One Health’ approach is paramount to disease control. Hence, preparedness for pandemics with 100 day’ timeline will be the right way to prepare and face future epidemics, he added.