Training on health monitoring of Wild Animals conducted at SKUAST

SRINAGAR: To enhance the capacity of frontline personnel in identifying, reporting and managing health-related issues in wild animals, a training program on health monitoring of wild animals for frontline forest and wildlife staff was held today at SKUAST-Shalimar, Kashmir.

The event was organized by the Department of Wildlife, SKUAST-Kashmir. Dr. Haroon Naik, Director of Research at SKUAST, graced the event as chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the vital role of wildlife health monitoring, particularly in the context of human-wildlife conflict.

The guest of honour, Irfan Rasool Wani, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, delivered an inspiring and insightful speech highlighting the significance of wildlife health in ensuring ecological balance and public safety. Tawheed Ahmed Deva, Regional Wildlife Warden, presented a comprehensive report on wildlife health and the importance of disease surveillance, encouraging frontline staff to remain proactive and vigilant.

Earlier, the program began with a welcome address by Dr. Khursheed, Head of the Wildlife Department at SKUAST, followed by Dr. Parag Nigam, who highlighted the importance of early detection and disease surveillance in wildlife to prevent outbreaks and maintain ecosystem health.

Dr. Mohsin Gazi, Wildlife Veterinarian, delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation focusing on the importance of wildlife diseases, especially at the human-wildlife interface, further emphasizing the need for integrated health monitoring approaches.

The training program concluded successfully, with active participation from the forest and wildlife frontline staff. The initiative not only enhanced awareness about wildlife health and disease surveillance but also reinforced the critical role of field personnel in safeguarding both animal and human health.