Jammu: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has approved the formation of the Union Territory Level Zoonosis Committee and District Level Zoonosis Committees under the One Health Mission.
This initiative aims to enhance the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases across the Union Territory by strengthening interdepartmental coordination and surveillance mechanisms.
According to Government Order No. 221-JK(GAD) of 2025, issued by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, M. Raju, IAS, the committees will work towards identifying priority zoonotic diseases and formulating measures to address them effectively. The UT-level committee will be chaired by the Administrative Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department, and will include representatives from the Health, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences, Drugs Control, and Forest Departments. The committee is mandated to meet at least twice a year to review the situation and devise strategies to combat zoonotic diseases.
The committee’s primary role will be to monitor the prevalence of zoonotic diseases, advise authorities on control measures, and facilitate networking between medical, veterinary, and allied institutions. Additionally, it will work on capacity building for professionals and recommend the establishment of specialized laboratories for early detection and diagnosis of zoonotic infections. It will also pursue the formation of Zoonosis Committees at the district level and provide necessary guidance for local-level disease management.
At the district level, the committees will be led by the respective Deputy Commissioners and will include officials from Government Medical Colleges, the Animal Husbandry Department, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and other key departments. These committees will be responsible for identifying prevalent zoonotic diseases in their districts, coordinating with the UT-level committee, and advising on necessary interventions. They will also monitor disease control efforts, collaborate with Rapid Response Teams, and recommend improvements in laboratory infrastructure.
