Punjab Government observed World Zoonosis Day for the first time in the state today. Cabinet Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries, S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian chaired state level event at DAV Public School, Muktsar, organised by the Animal Husbandry Department.
Addressing the gathering, S. Khuddian emphasized the importance of creating awareness about Zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. He highlighted the need for adopting scientific methods in Animal Husbandry Department to prevent the spread of such diseases.
The Minister announced that the department has launched various initiatives, including vaccination drives against diseases like lumpy skin, foot and mouth and Hermorrhagic Septicemia, and has also distributed free of cost medicine for de-worming of 65 lakh population of livestock in the state.
S. Khuddian encouraged farmers to adopt animal husbandry as a lucrative profession and assured them of the Government's support. He also appreciated the efforts of the Department in organizing such events, which further help in creating awareness and promoting better understanding among the people.
Earlier, MLA S. Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar welcomed the minister and appreciated the efforts of the Department in organizing the event. He encouraged the youth to join the Agriculture and allied sector to become self-employed.
Director of the Department, Dr G S Bedi, presented a detailed report on the achievements of the department, while experts like Dr Parvinder Kaur, Dr Jasbir Singh, and Dr Harkiratvir Singh discussed various aspects of zoonotic diseases. A Question-Answer session was also conducted during the event , where farmers were felicitated for their queries and right answers.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Joint Director Dr Sham Singh, Assistant Director Dr Parmpal Singh Deputy Director Dr Gurdit Singh, Dr Rajeev Chhabra, SVO Dr Mandeep Singh, Dr Kewal Singh, Dr Gurdas Singh, Dr Vipan Brar, Chairman Rachhpal Singh Khuddian, Simarjit Singh Lakhewali, Iqbal Singh Warring, Tejpal Singh Toji Lambi, and Principal DAV School Varsha.