India plans to detect zoonotic diseases

India is launching an ambitious, inter-ministerial scientific study aimed at detecting zoonotic diseases that could spill over from birds to humans, focusing on the critical intersection of human, bird, and forest health. This unique study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will be conducted in select bird sanctuaries and wetlands across Sikkim, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, leveraging the One Health approach to monitor the health of both human populations and migratory bird species, as well as the environment in which they coexist.

The Indian Union Health Ministry said the comprehensive research project aims to develop a real-time surveillance model to detect and diagnose zoonotic diseases in bird sanctuary workers and nearby residents. According to the Ministry, this is India’s first initiative of its kind, bringing together multiple ministries to establish a robust early warning system for zoonotic spillovers, marking a major milestone in the country’s public health preparedness. The ministry further highlighted the vulnerability of bird sanctuary workers, veterinarians, and rescue teams – those in direct contact with wild and migratory birds – to zoonotic infections.

On the occasion, as per the official press release, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR and Secretary, DHR said, “Just as a strong radar system is essential for timely and precise action, robust surveillance systems are critical for early detection and containment of emerging health threats. Scientific departments have a pivotal role in developing innovative tools and advancing research to strengthen these surveillance ‘radars’ which can be implemented in a programmatic manner. The press release adds that National One Health Mission (NOHM) leverages cutting-edge science in real-world settings to anticipate and mitigate public health risks.

By embracing the One Health approach, Insia is shifting from reactive responses to proactive preparedness – an urgent global necessity. Dr. Ranjan Das, Director, National Centre for Disease Control said, as quoted in the press release, “It is imperative to understand the mechanisms and drivers responsible for zoonotic spillovers, so that timely and coordinated actions can be taken...Strengthening surveillance at the human-animal-environment interface will significantly enhance India’s preparedness for future outbreaks.” The press release points out that with India being a vital hub along the Central Asian migratory bird flyway, bird sanctuaries represent an interface where the risk of zoonotic transmission is heightened. Bird sanctuary workers, including rescue teams and veterinarians, are especially vulnerable due to their close proximity to wild and migratory birds.

The interconnectedness of forest ecosystems, avian populations, and local human communities makes this an urgent area for surveillance. The study aims to develop a real-time surveillance model to detect and diagnose zoonotic diseases in bird sanctuary workers and nearby residents. It will involve periodic sampling of birds and environmental specimens to screen for emerging pathogens, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like Next Generation Sequencing for the early identification of novel infections. This project will establish India’s first early warning system for zoonotic spillovers, enhancing the country’s preparedness to respond to potential public health threats. By integrating wildlife health, environmental science, and human health, it represents a critical step toward safeguarding both public and environmental health in India.

A Down to Earth (DTE) report highlights a study by the Yale School of the Environment. It has found that nearly 44% of the world’s population, approximately 3.5 billion people, could be exposed to zoonotic diseases – which are caused by pathogens transmitted from animals to humans. The study also revealed that around 20% of humans living in close proximity to wildlife with high zoonotic potential share their habitat with over 20 different host species.

The DTE report says that the findings highlight the risks of zoonotic disease transmission in areas where human populations intersect with wildlife. The study suggests that approximately 3.5 billion people, living within 5% of the wildland-urban interface (WUI), could be at significant risk of exposure. The DTE report adds that the WUI is defined as the zone where human settlements and wildlands meet, creating areas where human-environmental conflicts are concentrated. The study states that these regions are particularly vulnerable to zoonotic disease spillovers. Activities such as hunting, fireweed collection, and changes in land use can expose humans to pathogens from wildlife, directly increasing the likelihood of disease transmission.