India Boosts Avian Flu Preparedness with Simulation Drill in Madhya Pradesh

The Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairying, in collaboration with the World Bank, conducted a two-day simulation exercise in Madhya Pradesh to enhance preparedness for avian influenza. The event simulated outbreak detection and response strategies, attended by 40 participants from various sectors.

The Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairying, in collaboration with the World Bank, conducted a two-day simulation exercise in Madhya Pradesh to enhance preparedness for potential avian influenza outbreaks. The initiative comes amid rising cases in India and globally.

From June 19 to 20, 40 participants from various sectors converged in Bhopal to practice outbreak detection, rapid response strategies, and inter-agency coordination. The exercise, inaugurated by DAHD's Animal Husbandry Commissioner Abhijit Mitra, featured interactive scenarios mimicking real outbreak situations.

The programme, facilitated by World Bank senior agriculture economist Hikuepi Katjiuongua and World Organisation for Animal Health expert Frank Wong, aimed at mitigating the impacts on both animal and human health. ''Such initiatives are vital in building resilient health systems,'' noted the DAHD in a statement, reaffirming commitment to addressing zoonotic diseases.