Arunachal Minister Pushes for Unified Fight Against Zoonotic Diseases

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu wants a tighter grip on zoonotic diseases. He called for government agencies, doctors, and the public to team up on the One Health approach. Animals and people live in the same ecosystem. What hits one often hits the other.

Data shows that 60 percent of human infectious diseases jump from animals. Roughly 75 percent of new infections have an animal origin. Wangsu pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as proof that better teamwork is needed between veterinarians, medical staff, and environmental experts. He said, "Human, animal and environmental health are closely interconnected."

The minister opened two new Animal Birth Control centers in Itanagar and Namsai on Monday. These spots will manage stray populations and work to stop rabies. He also kicked off a week-long awareness campaign featuring new educational materials and vaccinations for pets.

Wangsu took a public pledge regarding pet ownership. He told dog and cat owners to keep up with yearly shots. He also warned farmers to report strange illnesses in their herds immediately. Success depends on the community working with the state to keep rabies off the streets.