India’s National Wildlife Health Policy to Boost Surveillance

Why in the News ?

The Government of India is drafting the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP) to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance, research, and diagnostics. It includes establishing the National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W) in Junagadh and integrating wildlife health monitoring under the One Health approach.

India’s National Wildlife Health Policy to Boost Surveillance

About the of the Policy:

  • The Government of India is drafting the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP) to improve wildlife disease surveillance, research, and diagnostics.
  • It aims to address zoonotic diseases that can transfer from animals to humans.
  • The policy is a key component of the National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31).

Key Initiatives and Implementation

  • The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is leading the initiative under the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
  • A significant step is the establishment of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W) in Junagadh, Gujarat, India’s first dedicated wildlife disease research center.
  • A National Wildlife Health Information System is proposed to enhance disease surveillance and reporting, complementing existing monitoring frameworks.

Significance and Conservation Impact

  • Aligns with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring scientific protocols for tracking diseases in tiger reserves and protected areas.
  • Strengthens institutional frameworks to monitor and prevent wildlife disease outbreaks.
  • Safeguards biodiversity and ecosystem health, reducing risks of public health crises linked to wildlife diseases.
  • Supports India’s broader conservation and public health objectives, reinforcing national and global efforts in wildlife health management.