On 8-9 August 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, organized a two-day workshop to finalize the Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTGs). Supported by USAID, the workshop was attended by over 70 participants from the veterinary and animal health sectors including, representatives from ICAR Animal Science Institutes, Veterinary Universities, private sector organizations such as the Indian Federation of Animal Health Companies (INFAH) and international bodies such as USAID and Jhpiego.

The primary objective of this workshop was to collaboratively develop guidelines to standardize veterinary practices in India. The SVTGs, in combination with a Ready-Reckoner, aim to harmonize animal treatments, resulting in healthier animals and safe animal-source foods (ASFs). These guidelines seek to minimise the unnecessary use of antimicrobials, drugs, hormones and other medications, thereby reducing residues in ASFs and mitigating the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The SVTGs will cover treatment protocols for 274 diseases across 12 major species, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, poultry, pig, equines (horses, donkey, mule), camel, yak, and Mithun.

FAO Representative in India, Takayuki Hagiwara, emphasized that the SVTGs will facilitate more efficient disease control and provide a basis for assessing and comparing the quality of care, thereby supporting better planning and adherence to treatment standards.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, commended the initiative, stating, “The guidelines document will be a valuable resource for veterinary professionals, paraprofessionals, and animal health workers in India. It is crucial that it is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new research and technologies in the animal health sector. The efforts of FAO India in undertaking this extensive project are commendable.”

The outcomes of this workshop are anticipated to significantly transform the veterinary sector in India, marking a significant step towards standardizing veterinary practices and aligning them with global best practices. This initiative also advances the objectives of the One Health approach by promoting integrated health solutions for people, animals and the environment.