Veterinary surgeons from the Animal Husbandry department (AHD), Keralam, participated in a two-day training programme at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Pookode, Wayanad, aimed at strengthening responsible antibiotic use and the role of veterinarians in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The programme was organised by the Centre for One Health Education, Advocacy, Research and Training (COHEART), KVASU, under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported regional project, ‘Improving Animal Health Practices of Veterinarians and Livestock Farmers to Contain Antimicrobial Resistance and Promote One Health.’ The project is implemented by Sathguru Management Consultants, in partnership with Zenex Animal Health, with COHEART providing technical leadership.
The training focussed on strengthening the capacity of field veterinarians in responsible and evidence-based antimicrobial use, disease prevention, vaccination, alternatives to antibiotics, farm biosecurity and hygiene, animal welfare, and gender-responsive veterinary services. It also highlighted the critical role of veterinarians in addressing zoonotic diseases and AMR through the One Health approach, which recognises the close links between human, animal and environmental health.
The programme forms part of a major South Asian capacity-building initiative spanning Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and four Indian States — Gujarat, Keralam, Punjab and Telangana. Across the seven implementation regions, the project has conducted over 60 capacity-building programmes — 17 for veterinarians and 43 for livestock farmers — reaching over 500 veterinarians and 2,000 livestock farmers.
Prejit, officer-in-charge, COHEART, serves as the technical lead of the regional project in Keralam. K.S. Anil, Vice-Chancellor, KVASU, delivered the valedictory address and distributed certificates to the participating veterinarians.
Published – September 16, 2026 09:29 pm IST
