From the Research
Recent statistics on zoonotic diseases in India show concerning trends across several major conditions, with Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Leptospirosis being among the top priority diseases, as identified in the most recent study from 2023 1. The latest evidence suggests that zoonotic diseases continue to pose a significant threat to public health in India, with various studies highlighting the need for prioritization and targeted control strategies.
- The study from 2023 1 used the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP) tool to prioritize zoonotic diseases in Haryana, India, and identified Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Leptospirosis as top priority diseases.
- Another study from 2023 2 assessed and prioritized zoonotic diseases in Punjab, India, using a comprehensive scoring system, and found that Brucellosis, Rabies, and Anthrax were among the top priority diseases.
- A study from 2019 3 prioritized zoonotic diseases in Ahmedabad, India, using the OHZDP tool and identified Rabies, Brucellosis, and Avian Influenza (H5N1) as top priority diseases. The evidence suggests that there is a need for a multi-sectoral approach to prioritize and control zoonotic diseases in India, taking into account the varying climate, demographics, and animal-human interfaces across different regions.
- The studies highlight the importance of considering factors such as disease severity, epidemic potential, and availability of control measures when prioritizing zoonotic diseases.
- The use of tools such as the OHZDP and comprehensive scoring systems can help identify top priority diseases and inform targeted control strategies. Overall, the latest evidence emphasizes the need for a proactive and coordinated approach to address the growing threat of zoonotic diseases in India, with a focus on prioritization, surveillance, and control measures tailored to the specific needs of different regions.