In News:

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of India is formulating the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP) to address the growing threat of zoonotic diseases through integrated wildlife health management. Over 60% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, underscoring the importance of a "One Health" approach—integrating human, animal, and environmental health.

Key Objectives of NWHP

• Establish a comprehensive wildlife disease surveillance system.
• Strengthen diagnostic infrastructure and research capacity.
• Facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration among environment, agriculture, and animal husbandry ministries.
• Integrate existing animal and human health data systems with wildlife health information.

Institutional Framework & Implementation

• National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W):
  • Inaugurated in Junagadh, Gujarat (March 2024).
  • India’s first wildlife disease diagnostic and research centre.
  • Will serve as a referral hub for investigating wildlife mortality and outbreak events.
• Wildlife Health Information System (WHIS):
  • Proposed digital system for real-time disease data collection, reporting, and analysis.
  • Will integrate with National Animal Disease Reporting System (NADRS) and National Animal Disease Referral Expert System (NADRES).
• Satellite Diagnostic Labs:To be established near important forest zones for timely wildlife disease detection and diagnosis.
• Community Engagement:Involves measures like cattle vaccination near national parks to reduce disease transmission risks.

Key Agencies Involved

• Central Zoo Authority (CZA): Nodal agency under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; responsible for policy coordination and implementation.
• Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and IIT-Bombay: Supporting technical and policy formulation.
• Ernst & Young: Consultancy support.
• Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC): Policy oversight.

Alignment with Existing Conservation Frameworks

• National Wildlife Action Plan (2017–31):
  • Provides for 103 actions and 250 projects.
  • Includes protocols for disease surveillance in protected areas and tiger reserves.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides legal basis for wildlife health regulation and zoonotic disease control.

In News:

The Central Zoo Authority, under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has taken up the development of the ‘National Wildlife Health Policy in consultative workshop held in Indira Prayavaran Bhawan, New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• Organized by: Central Zoo Authority (CZA), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• Event: Consultative workshop held at Indira Prayavaran Bhawan, New Delhi, on the development of the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP).
• Purpose: To address health threats to wildlife and integrate wildlife health management with public and animal health.

Goals of the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP):

• One Health Approach: Integrates human, animal, and environmental health, recognizing their interdependence.
• Focus Areas:
  • Prevent and control zoonotic diseases.
  • Improve disease surveillance and early detection, especially in protected areas.
  • Promote biosecurity measures and epidemic preparedness.
  • Enhance research and development in wildlife health management.
  • Advocate for community awareness on wildlife health and conservation.

Key Features of the Policy:

• Wildlife Health Management Unit (WHMU): Proposed unit to oversee the policy's implementation.
• Collaboration: Involves coordination with various stakeholders including government ministries, NGOs, academic institutions, and veterinary universities.
• Disease Surveillance: Establish protocols for monitoring and controlling wildlife diseases, especially in protected areas.
• Capacity Building: Training programs for professionals involved in wildlife conservation and health management.
• Biosecurity Protocols: Strengthen measures to reduce disease transmission risks.

Supporting Institutions:

• GISE Hub, IIT Bombay and Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India are providing support in policy development.

Challenges Addressed:

• Wildlife in India faces various health challenges including:
  • Infectious diseases (e.g., Canine Distemper Virus).
  • Habitat loss and climate change impacts.
  • Illegal wildlife trade and other anthropogenic pressures.
• India has over 91,000 wildlife species and more than 1,000 protected areas, making comprehensive health management crucial.

Expected Outcomes:

• Comprehensive Framework: A science-based framework for wildlife health, integrating ecological, human, and animal health.
• Disease Outbreak Response: Structured mechanisms for disease management, surveillance, and legal frameworks.
• Public Health Integration: Safeguard wildlife health, which directly impacts balanced ecosystems and biodiversity.

Policy’s Strategic Alignment:

• National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31): The policy complements the action plan’s 103 conservation actions and 250 projects, including disease surveillance protocols in tiger reserves and other protected areas.
• Research & Development: Encourages the development of strategies to manage wildlife health and prevent disease outbreaks.