Context:
Zoonotic disease outbreaks reported under India’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), 2018–2023
Zoonotic Diseases:
- Zoonoses are diseases that naturally transfer between vertebrate animals and humans (WHO).
- Pathogens can be bacterial, viral, or parasitic, spreading through direct contact, food, water, or environment.
- Global Impact: Millions of deaths occur annually due to zoonoses.
- Emerging Threat: 60% of newly reported infectious diseases worldwide are zoonotic.
Key Initiatives for Zoonotic Disease Control:
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) – Monitors 6 major zoonotic diseases:
- Anthrax
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)
- Rabies
- Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
- Leptospirosis
- Scrub Typhus
- National One Health Programme for Prevention & Control of Zoonosis –
- Institutionalizes One Health at national, state, and district levels.
- Integrated surveillance and community outreach programs for disease prevention.
- Disease-Specific Programs –
- Rabies Control Program
- Program for Prevention & Control of Leptospirosis
- National Programme for Prevention & Control of Snakebite Envenoming
Source: ET
Previous Year Question
Consider the following diseases:
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (b)