Animal Welfare and India’s Path to One Health
Dr Meenaxi
Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensary Dabka (Ch), Kamalnagar, Bidar, Karnataka
Introduction
India ranks the seventh largest country in the world on its total area. World Population Report estimates that there are 1.46 billion people living in India. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying’s 20th livestock census, there are 535.78 million animals in the nation, which represents a 4.6% growth from the last livestock census in 2012 and accounts
A revolutionary method to tackling the intricate and interrelated health issues of the twenty-first century is the one health concept. An integrated strategy that acknowledges the connections between environmental, animal and human health is part of India’s journey towards one health. Since human health is intimately related to that of animals and the environment, the one health concept recognizes that all three areas must be taken into account when addressing health concerns. One health was developed to encourage interdisciplinary cooperation, systems thinking and sustainable practices in recognition of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. One health emphasizes the need for integrated solutions and has its roots in ancient medical traditions. It has been revitalized by contemporary crises including zoonotic disease out breaks and antibiotic resistance. Proactive preventive and surveillance concepts are essential to this strategy because they allow for the early identification and reduction of health risks before they become international emergencies. By encouraging cooperation between several disciplines, from environmental science and public health to human and veterinary medicine, it seeks to create all-encompassing approaches that deal with the underlying causes of health problems rather than just their symptoms.
One health also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and equity, highlighting the value of preserving ecosystems and making sure that everyone, especially the most disadvantaged, may access health benefits. In order to coordinate efforts across sectors and make sure that measures in one area reinforce rather than weaken those in another, policy coherence and integration are crucial. To sum up, the strategy provides a comprehensive, proactive, and inclusive framework for dealing with the current global health issues. The implementation and enforcement of animal protection laws is carried out by the following authorities: Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), State Animal Welfare Board (SAWB), Food Safety Department, Forest Department, Transport Department, Local Authority, Customs Department and District Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA)
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The primary objective of this law is to protect animals from unnecessary pain or suffering and to ensure their welfare and humane treatment. For protection and conservation of wild animals – Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It prohibits hunting, poaching, and illegal trade of wild animals.
According to the Animal Welfare Board of India, Animals should be kept according to the following 5 freedoms, as it gives comfort:
- Freedom to express normal behavior
- Freedom from fear
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury and diseases
- Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
Keywords: Animal Welfare, One Health, Livestock, Environmental Health and Food Safety
1. The Present Situation of Animal Welfare in India
Animals have long been a part of Indian culture and religion, frequently being incorporated into daily life and holy rites. However, despite this long-standing relationship, urbanization, population increase, and insufficient animal protection regulations have made animal care difficult. Although animal rights are becoming more and more recognized, there are still many obstacles to be addressed.
Populations of stray animals:
In both urban and rural locations, stray dogs, cows, and other animals are vulnerable tomistreatment, accidents, and disease transmission.
Animal Agriculture:
In India use of livestock farming is very common, as farmers depends mainly on animals, such as factory farming, intensive livestock systems, and unsustainable practices are frequently criticized for their negative effects on animal welfare.
- Animal Health’s Contribution to One Health
The most urgent issues include antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic illnesses (diseases that spread from animals to humans), and environmental damage brought on
unethical animal husbandry.
Zoonotic Diseases:
The significance of keeping an eye on animal health as part of public health measures has been brought to light by diseases like rabies, avian influenza, and even COVID-19. Numerous zoonotic disease outbreaks that have the potential to cause serious health problems for people have occurred in India.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
Excessive antibiotic use in both humans and animals is becoming a bigger problem. Since people can contract resistant germs from animals through direct touch or ingestion of contaminated food, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a crucial aspect of One Health.
Livestock Health:
To stop the spread of diseases like brucellosis, avian flu, and foot-and-mouth disease, India’s large livestock population—which is mostly made up of cattle, buffaloes, goats, and poultry—needs improved veterinary care, disease control, and vaccination.
- The Effects of Environmental Health
Rapid industrialization, urbanization and deforestation in India have upset ecosystem and endangered the health of people and animals.
Deforestation and animal Habitat Loss:
Humans and animals frequently come into closer contact when forested areas are invaded which raises the risk of disease transmission.
Pollution:
The health of humans and animals is adversely affected by pollution of the air, water and soil. For example: Improper waste disposal methods.
Climate Change:
Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and altered precipitation patterns all affect the distribution of diseases and animal health which lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases (like malaria) to new areas, impacting both humans and animals.
- India’s One Health Initiatives
India has started to adopt the One Health approach more systematically in recent years, though progress remains uneven.
India has recently taken important steps toward implementing one health:
National One Health Mission (NOHM): proposed by the department of biotechnology which aims to integrate disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness. Establishment of the national institute for one health in Nagpur (2021). Collaboration with international agencies like WHO, FAO and WOAH to build capacity in zoonosis management.
Initiatives by ICAR (Indian Council of Agriculture Research) and DAHD (Department of Animal Husbandry) for disease control in animals {example: NADCP (National Animal Disease
National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR):
Aims to control the overuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and agriculture. One of the key priorities in the plan is to strengthen veterinary surveillance to track antibiotic use in the animal sector.
National Zoonoses Program:
This program was launched to tackle zoonotic diseases, focusing on surveillance, control measures, and capacity building at local and national levels. It involves cooperation between the health, animal husbandry and environment sectors.
Institutional Collaboration:
India is working toward stronger collaboration between the health, agriculture, and environmental sectors. Government bodies such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change are increasingly recognizing the need for integrated approaches.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
There have been some public health campaigns to raise awareness of zoonotic diseases and the importance of animal welfare. These include vaccination drives, campaigns to reduce stray dog populations, and the promotion of responsible animal care practices.
- Challenges and the Way Forward
While there have been strides towards One Health in India, challenges remain:
Data Gaps:
Effective surveillance and data collection for both human and animal health are often inadequate. For One Health to succeed, robust data systems across all sectors are essential for early detection and response.
Political interest and Coordination:
Cross-sectoral coordination remains a challenge. While agencies are recognizing the importance of collaboration, the actual implementation of One Health practices can be hindered by lack of interdepartmental communication.
Cultural Resistance:
There may also be cultural and social resistance to certain practices, particularly in rural or semi-urban areas where livestock is integral to livelihoods. Educating communities about animal welfare, sustainable farming, and disease prevention is essential.
Resource Constraints:
Funding and infrastructure for animal health services, especially in rural areas, are insufficient. Expanding veterinary care, building diagnostic infrastructure, and enhancing research into zoonotic diseases are key priorities.
Recommendations for Advancing One Health in India:
Strengthening Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Develop and implement joint programs that involve public health, veterinary health, and environmental agencies at national, state, and local levels.
Public Education and Advocacy:
Increase awareness of One Health among the general population, farmers, veterinarians, and healthcare workers. Focus on preventive measures, including vaccination, sanitation, and animal welfare.
Increased Funding:
Allocate more resources to both human and animal health programs, with an emphasis on rural areas and underserved regions where zoonotic diseases are most prevalent.
Improved Surveillance and Data Sharing:
Establish a unified system for data collection and sharing across sectors. Integrate disease surveillance systems that cover human, animal, and environmental health.
Incorporate Sustainable Practices in Agriculture:
Promote organic farming, better waste management, and improved animal husbandry practices that reduce environmental degradation and improve both animal and human health.
Enforce Animal Welfare Laws:
Strengthen the enforcement of animal welfare regulations, including those related to factory farming and livestock transportation, and ensure that both domestic and wild animals are treated humanely.
Conclusion
India’s path to One Health is still evolving, but the importance of taking an integrated approach to health is becoming increasingly clear. By addressing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, India has the opportunity to improve its public health outcomes, protect biodiversity, and enhance the welfare of animals. However, success will depend on continued political commitment, effective collaboration across sectors, and increased public awareness and education.
Reference
- Roy, S., Malla, S., Dekari, D. and Choudhury, T.G., 2025. One Health Approach: Human, Environment, and Animal Health. In Management of Fish Diseases (pp. 281-297). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
- https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/animal-welfare-and-indias-path-to-one-health/
- https://www.google.com
