Future Directions in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology: Integrating Traditional Knowledge, Modern Challenges, and One Health Insights

 Future Directions in Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology: Integrating Traditional Knowledge, Modern Challenges, and One Health Insights

Abstract

Veterinary pharmacology and toxicology are evolving rapidly to meet the dual challenges of animal health and global public health. From lessons of historical drug development to modern advances in antimicrobial resistance mitigation, indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK), and One Health–based pandemic preparedness, the discipline has expanded its scope beyond animal therapeutics into areas of food safety, environmental protection, and zoonotic disease control. This review highlights past lessons, current priorities, and future directions for veterinary pharmacology and toxicology in India, with emphasis on translational value, sustainable innovation, and policy relevance.

Introduction

Veterinary pharmacology and toxicology have always been at the intersection of science, medicine, and society. As India advances in animal health and food security, these disciplines are becoming increasingly relevant not just for livestock productivity but also for global concerns like antimicrobial resistance (AMR), environmental safety, and zoonotic disease control [1]. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), veterinary universities, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) have prioritized ITK, drug discovery, and translational pharmacology, all under the broader umbrella of the Government of India’s commitment to One Health [2].

It is noteworthy that many present-day synthetic drugs are derived from compounds of plant or animal origin [3]. Without underestimating the value of Ayurvedic and ethnoveterinary literature, early research may be oriented toward such sources. Reflecting on my own experience in the late 1980s and early 1990s, my professor often reminded me, “Every negative finding is still a finding.” Early experimental failures were frustrating, but subsequent trials occasionally produced surprising results, true “Eureka” moments. This experience underscores the importance of meticulous recording, awareness of biological variation, and a scientific approach grounded in curiosity and observation. In veterinary pharmacology and toxicology, careful attention to feed quality and content is essential, since humans ultimately consume these animals or their products. Geopolitical constraints, sanctions, and stringent animal welfare regulations further challenge research efforts, requiring strategic planning and compliance.

Learning from History: Thalidomide, Digitalis, and Traditional Wisdom :

The history of pharmacology provides contrasting lessons. The thalidomide tragedy of the 1960s, where inadequate preclinical evaluation led to birth defects in over 10,000 children worldwide, underscores the indispensable role of rigorous safety testing [4]. Conversely, William Withering’s discovery of digitalis from foxglove illustrates how careful observation of traditional remedies can revolutionize therapy [5].

By integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology, veterinary research can potentially discover low-residue, cost-effective therapeutics that align with sustainable livestock production. These lessons highlight the balance between innovation, scientific validation, and ethical responsibility in veterinary pharmacology.

The Role of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK)

India’s rich ethnoveterinary heritage includes remedies for wound healing, parasitic control, galactagogue stimulation, and reproductive health [6]. Veterinary universities and IVRI are documenting, validating, and standardizing ITK-based practices. Government initiatives encourage integration of ITK into formal veterinary science, balancing scientific validation with community intellectual property rights [7]. Such approaches can yield eco-friendly, low-cost drugs that complement modern pharmacology.

Environmental Toxicology and Food Safety

Industrialization and intensive agriculture expose animals to pesticides, heavy metals, and mycotoxins. These contaminants accumulate in animal products, posing risks to human health [8]. Veterinary toxicologists play a pivotal role in residue monitoring in milk, meat, and eggs. Studies on toxicokinetics of aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and drug residues guide national policies and Codex Alimentarius standards [9]. Research into detoxifying agents, adsorbents, and bioremediation technologies represents the next frontier for environmental safety in veterinary pharmacology.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR is a global crisis, and inappropriate veterinary antibiotic use accelerates resistance transfer to humans via direct contact, food chains, and the environment [10]. Indian institutes such as IVRI are pioneering PK(Pharmacokinetics)/PD(Pharmacodynamics) modeling, residue avoidance protocols, and alternatives such as probiotics, bacteriophages, and immunomodulators [11]. Senior veterinarians can guide this transition by promoting rational antibiotic stewardship and influencing policy at both national and global forums.

Translational Value and Global Relevance

Veterinary pharmacology is inherently comparative. Drugs like ivermectin, first applied in veterinary parasitology, later transformed human medicine [12]. Ketamine, widely used in animals, became a breakthrough therapy in human psychiatry [13]. Animal models remain critical for oncology, regenerative medicine, and vaccine development. Such cross-disciplinary impacts reaffirm the translational importance of veterinary pharmacology.

One Health and Pandemic Lessons: The Expanding Role of Veterinary Pharmacology

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the inseparability of human, animal, and environmental health. Veterinary institutes, particularly IVRI, contributed to diagnostics, genomic sequencing, and vaccine development [14]. Veterinary pharmacologists played three essential roles:

1. Zoonotic Surveillance – Screening livestock, poultry, and wildlife for SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs [15].
2. Drug and Vaccine Research – Supporting preclinical studies in ferrets, hamsters, and primates to assess antiviral candidates [16].
3. Food Safety Assurance – Communicating evidence that livestock products were safe, thus safeguarding consumer trust [17].

These contributions highlight why One Health must remain central to veterinary pharmacology.

Future Research Directions and Policy Priorities

1. Integrating ITK with Modern Science – Validating traditional remedies through pharmacognostic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological studies [18].
2. Precision Pharmacology – Genomic-guided drug dosing and nanotechnology-based delivery systems [19].
3. Green Toxicology – Developing eco-friendly veterinary pharmaceuticals to reduce environmental contamination [20].
4. Strengthening AMR Mitigation – Expanding alternatives to antibiotics, including vaccines and microbiome-based strategies [21].
5. Preparedness for Emerging Zoonoses – Enhancing veterinary roles in surveillance and pharmacological interventions [22].
6. Capacity Building and Education – Updating curricula with One Health, pharmacovigilance, in and translational science [23].

Conclusion

Veterinary pharmacology and toxicology stand at a transformative juncture. Lessons from history, thalidomide’s caution and digitalis’s promise, remind us that science must balance innovation with rigorous safety. India, with its biodiversity and robust veterinary institutions, has the opportunity to lead in developing One Health, aligned pharmacological solutions. By integrating indigenous wisdom, modern pharmacology, and translational science, veterinarians can ensure this discipline evolves into a pillar of resilience for animals, humans, and ecosystems alike.

 Author’s Bio

Dr. Simant Kumar Nanda, MVSc (Pharmacology), is a seasoned veterinary pharmacologist with over 30 years of experience in animal health research and administration. His research focused on protein binding studies and toxic effects of drugs. He has served as Research Officer and subsequently as Joint Director (Animal Welfare) at the Animal Disease Research Institute, Government of Odisha.

A hands-on scientist, Dr. Nanda has combined laboratory research with field investigations, gaining deep insights into livestock diseases, zoonotic infections, and their solutions, always with a focus on animal welfare and public health.

Beyond his core scientific work, he has enriched his knowledge through various courses, seminars, and webinars, developing a passion for writing articles on veterinary science, philosophy, culture, behavior, spirituality, mythology, and contemporary public-interest topics with a scientific perspective. He writes in English, Hindi, and Odia, including poems and captions, many of which have been published in newspapers, magazines, and journals.

As a life member of the Indian Society of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dr. Nanda authored this article to illuminate key aspects of veterinary pharmacology and toxicology for budding veterinarians and researchers, bridging practical experience with scientific insight.

Email: drsimantkumarnanda@gmail.com

Mobile: +91-9937500810

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Dr SIMANT KUMAR NANDA

MVSc (Pharmacology)

Joint Director (Animal Welfare) Retd.

Government of Odisha, Bhubaneswar

Mail-id – drsimantkumarnanda@gmail. com ,Mobile-  9937500810

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