India is developing a national wildlife health policy to address the rising threat of zoonotic diseases, a critical issue highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy, aimed at safeguarding both wildlife populations and public health, will integrate disease surveillance, address habitat destruction, and promote research and collaboration across government agencies and stakeholders.
A new study published in Nature reveals that fur farms in China harbor a significant number of viruses, including 36 new ones and 39 with high potential for human infection. The study highlights the risk of zoonotic spillover from farmed animals to humans, calling for urgent action to prevent future pandemics.
Amidst extreme weather conditions, including heat waves, heavy rains, and disease outbreaks, the Indian government plans to incorporate climate change education into medical students’ curricula. This move aims to enhance healthcare professionals’ ability to treat and respond effectively to health hazards stemming from climate-related events. Heatstrokes, vector-borne diseases, and emerging viruses pose significant challenges, prompting the need for doctors to stay informed and equipped to address these issues.
