Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, visited the ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI) on January 1, 2025. During his visit, Dr. Pathak engaged with the Directors and Heads of ICAR institutes in Bengaluru to discuss ongoing activities and initiatives. These discussions underscored the spirit of collaboration and strategic alignment within ICAR to advance agricultural and livestock research in the region.
On January 2, 2025, Dr. Pathak inaugurated the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) Reference Laboratory for Leptospirosis at ICAR-NIVEDI. This laboratory, housed within ICAR-NIVEDI’s advanced biosafety facility, represents a significant step forward in combating Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira bacteria. Particularly prevalent in high-risk areas, the disease poses serious public health challenges.
The newly established laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic technology and will serve as a hub for research, development, and capacity-building programs. It strengthens India’s contributions to global efforts in Leptospirosis management. Dr. Pathak commended ICAR-NIVEDI scientists for their dedication and achievements in obtaining WOAH recognition and enhancing zoonotic disease diagnostics and control.
Additionally, Dr. Pathak inaugurated the ‘Hoof & Health Gate,’ symbolizing the collaborative commitment of ICAR-NIVEDI and ICAR-IVRI towards excellence in livestock health and research. He praised ICAR-NIVEDI's contributions to livestock disease informatics, including real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) studies, and zoonotic disease surveillance. These efforts are critical for safeguarding livestock health and supporting the agricultural ecosystem across India.
Dr. Baldev R. Gulati, Director of ICAR-NIVEDI, provided an overview of the institute's milestones and ongoing projects. Dr. Pallab Chaudhury, Joint Director of the ICAR-IVRI Regional Campus in Bengaluru, also participated in the event, highlighting the synergy between the institutes in advancing research and innovation.
