In a major scientific endeavour, scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) have secured funding of INR 1.4 crore from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for their ambitious project aimed at understanding the transmission pattern of Avian Influenza in domestic poultry of Jammu and Kashmir. Over the last three years, avian influenza has wreaked havoc on both wild birds and domestic poultry worldwide. Migratory birds, with their significant role in virus transmission across continents, contribute to this global concern. The wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir, which witness around 4 lakh migratory birds annually, are possibly integral to this interconnected web of avian influenza transmission. The project led by Dr. Nadeem Shabir, Assistant Professor at the Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-K, takes a comprehensive one-health approach. The initiative aims to model the transmission of the virus from wild birds to domestic poultry, providing critical insights into the transmission patterns of the virus. Collaborating with renowned Influenza experts in India such as Dr.PervaizKoul, Director at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr.VarshaPotdar from National Institute of Virology, the project also involves mapping the possible transmission of the virus to poultry handlers of the region considering the zoonotic nature of the virus.

Prof.Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K while emphasizing the significance of the project, said, "Avian Influenza poses a significant threat to both animal and human health. Through this comprehensive survey, we aim to gain insights into the dynamics of the virus in domestic and wild birds of Jammu and Kashmir, contributing vital information for effective prevention and control strategies." He also expressed his enthusiasm about the first-ever one-health grant secured by scientists of SKUAST-K, marking a new era of collaborative, multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary research in Jammu and Kashmir. In a related development, SKUAST-K has reinforced its commitment to the "One Health" initiative, aiming for an integrated approach to human, animal, and environmental health. This commitment was formalized with the release of the first-ever One Health Declaration by the university. Further solidifying its leadership in this field, SKUAST-K announced the establishment of the School of One Health, a landmark achievement approved during the 43rd Academic Council Meeting