Sri Vijaya Puram, April 27: Strengthening livestock health and food safety emerged as the central focus of an animal health camp conducted in Namunagar on April 25, marking World Veterinary Day with an emphasis on hygiene, preventive care, and sustainable practices in animal husbandry.
The camp was organised by the Division of Animal Sciences, ICAR-CIARI, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (DAHVS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The initiative aligned with this year’s World Veterinary Day theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” which underscores the role of veterinary professionals in ensuring safe food systems, animal welfare, and public health.
Officials highlighted that veterinarians play a critical role across the food chain, from livestock rearing to food production, ensuring that animal-origin products are safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced. The camp focused on improving awareness among livestock owners regarding cleanliness in farming practices to maintain the quality and safety of animal produce.
A key component of the outreach programme was the promotion of traditional and herbal veterinary care. Experts emphasised the use of medicinal plants for sustainable livestock management, encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly treatment methods alongside conventional practices.
During the camp, veterinary teams provided treatment and distributed herbal-based medicines to livestock, covering more than 50 goats and cattle. The distributed materials included Dweep tickure, herbal ointments for wound healing, tonics for improving immunity and treating diarrhoea, deworming medicines, and mineral mixtures.
Veterinary officers present at the camp advised livestock owners on the importance of regular health monitoring and early intervention to prevent disease outbreaks. The awareness sessions also addressed routine care practices and the need for maintaining sanitary conditions in animal shelters.
The programme was coordinated by a team of veterinary professionals, including Dr. Sanjhali Soren, Senior Veterinary Officer, Namunagar, along with Dr. T. Sujatha, Dr. R.R. Alyethodi, Dr. P. Perumal, and P.A. Bala. The overall initiative was carried out under the guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI.
Farmers from Rangachang village participated in the camp and acknowledged the support provided through the initiative, particularly in terms of access to veterinary care and practical guidance on livestock management.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts to improve animal health services and promote safe livestock practices in the region, with a focus on strengthening food safety and rural livelihoods.
