India is taking a proactive step towards safeguarding its rich biodiversity and protecting human health by crafting a comprehensive national wildlife health policy. This policy, currently under development, is a testament to the increasing recognition of the interconnectedness between wildlife health, human health, and environmental well-being.
The policy will address multiple critical issues, including the rising threat of zoonotic diseases – infections transmitted from animals to humans. This concern gained immense prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for a proactive approach to prevent future health crises.
Addressing the Complexities of Wildlife Health
The new national wildlife health policy will not only strengthen India’s existing biodiversity conservation efforts but also establish a comprehensive framework to address the multifaceted challenges facing wildlife health. This includes factors like climate change, habitat loss, and pollution, all of which impact wildlife populations and create vulnerabilities for both wildlife and humans.
The policy will complement India’s existing National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) and the One Health policy, which emphasizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health.
Collaborative Effort for a Holistic Approach
A dedicated team comprising experts from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and domain experts is working diligently to shape this policy framework. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a holistic perspective on the complex issues at hand.
Key Objectives of the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP 2024)
The proposed NWHP 2024 aims to achieve several critical objectives:
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Establish a robust national wildlife health management system
to proactively monitor and manage wildlife health risks.*
Develop a comprehensive framework for preventing, detecting, and responding to wildlife disease outbreaks
to minimize the impact on both wildlife and human health.*
Minimize the risk of zoonotic disease transmission between wildlife and humans
by implementing effective disease surveillance and control measures.*
Promote research and surveillance on wildlife health issues
to improve understanding of disease dynamics and develop targeted interventions.*
Ensure the welfare of captive wildlife in zoos and rehabilitation centers
by implementing best practices for animal health and care.*
Foster collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and stakeholders
to create a united front in addressing wildlife health challenges.The Link Between Habitat Loss and Zoonotic Diseases
Climate change is exacerbating the threats facing wildlife, altering temperature patterns, rainfall, and other environmental factors that directly affect wild habitats, migration routes, and species populations. This, in turn, leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, pushing wildlife into closer proximity with humans.
This increased contact elevates the risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases. It is estimated that 60% of infectious diseases and up to 75% of emerging infectious diseases have zoonotic origins. These diseases can be transmitted through direct contact with animals or indirectly through contaminated food, water, or the environment.
Examples of Zoonotic Diseases
Examples of zoonotic diseases include rabies, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19. These diseases can originate from various sources, including wild animals like bats and monkeys, pets, farm animals, mosquitoes, and ticks.
The Importance of Wildlife Health
Debaditya Sinha, lead of the climate and ecosystems initiative at Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, emphasizes the crucial link between healthy wildlife and a thriving ecosystem. He states, “Healthy wildlife is a vital indicator of a thriving ecosystem, essential for our food and water security, and fundamental to our economic prosperity. An intact and well-preserved ecosystem not only enhances resilience to extreme weather events but also serves as a buffer against zoonotic diseases.”
A Comprehensive Policy Framework
The NWHP 2024 will address key areas such as:
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Managing wildlife pathogen risk:
This includes identifying and assessing potential threats posed by pathogens to both wildlife and human populations.*
Disease outbreak preparedness and response:
Developing strategies and protocols to effectively manage and contain disease outbreaks.*
Biosecurity:
Implementing measures to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within wildlife populations and between wildlife and humans.Next Steps and Implementation
The policy is expected to be finalized through a draft process and a workshop in Delhi. Regular reviews will be conducted every five years to assess its effectiveness and adapt it to emerging challenges. The NWHP 2024 represents a significant step forward in India’s efforts to protect wildlife and safeguard public health. It is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable development and the recognition that the health of wildlife and human health are inextricably linked.
