Introduction
With the establishment of Nepal Agricultural Research
Council (NARC) in 1991, an apex institution for agricultural
research in the country, Animal Health Research Division
(AHRD) was established in the same year with a mandate
to carry out basic and applied research on various aspects
of livestock and poultry diseases of economic and zoonotic
significance. This division, since then, has been carrying
out problem based research in some of the nationally
prioritized diseases and is also striving for establishing
and developing its infrastructure and manpower required
meeting its long term goal. This division is engaged
in various research activities which are carried out
in different units : Pathology, Bacteriology/ Mycology/Mycology
and Public health, Virology, Parasitology, Pharmacology/
Toxicology and Biochemistry, Immunology and Molecular
Biology and Theriogenology
Animal Health Research Division has been mandated
for research on the health problems of different farm
animals and poultry, and to develop strategies for effective
treatment and control measures. Eradication of economically
important diseases of farm animals has been necessary
by updating laboratory facilities, and skilled and qualified
manpower. Apart from existing laboratory building, some
essential components for the research like laboratory
animal facilities, post-mortem room and incinerator
house etc are yet to be built.
Attempts have been made to design and implement the
research project in a more systematic and participatory
manner and these attempts have been facilitated by National
Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI) as a coordinating
body for research on various aspects of farm animals.
Research proposals are being developed through participatory
problem identification and prioritization.
This division was also involved in the investigations
of various samples for identification of diseases of
livestock and poultry. This division has been involved
in supporting laboratory and library facilities for
IAAS/ HICAST/TU students for completion of internship
report and thesis preparation.
Objectives
- Assessment
of animal health situation and losses caused by different
diseases in the country and prioritize research program
against them in collaboration with RARS and ARS and
extension agencies.
- Investigation and
development of control strategies against the infectious
land noninfectious disease of livestock, poultry,
fishes and wild animal population present in the country.
- Development and
standardization of biological reagents used for livestock
disease investigation or diagnosis.
- To develop technology
for the hygienic measure against disease associated
with grazing and management.
- Evaluation on efficacy
of vaccines, drugs and safety of feeds and feed additives
for their quality control.
- To develop technology
for the investigation and control of exotic disease
to prevent their entry and spread in the territory
of Nepal.
- To conduct research
on indigenous herbal and toxic plants and evaluate
efficacy of local herbs for the treatment of animals
diseases.
- To develop technology
for the control of insect vectors associated with
various pathogenic agents.
- To develop technologies
to protect environment and preserve biodiversity in
the context of animal health.
- Investigation and
development of control strategies against zoonotic
disease.
- To provide specialized
technical support to livestock, poultry and fish commodity
research programs, RARS and ARS on animal health related
research.
- To provide resource
person and facilities for education and training in
animal health.
- Development and
promotion of contract research programmes for pharmaceutical
and feed industries.
- To provide repository
services for the promotion of livestock production
and other animal health related subjects.
- To provide emergency
investigation service for the control of outbreak
of disease in the field.
- Promotion of communication,
collaboration and linkages on animal health research
with organizations inside and outside Nepal
for exchange of expertise and initiation of
collaborative and contract research.
- Assistance to Nepal
Government and other national and international organizations
in the formulation and preparation of policy on animal
health.
- To conduct national
and international symposia and workshop for the exchange
and share of knowledge.
- To document and
publish research achievements and disseminate them
through, radio, TV, workshop, training, exhibition
and extension to the farmers.
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