A team of the Dairy Science Park, comprising the following members, visited Amsterdam, the Netherlands to attend the third One Health Congress scheduled for March 15 to 18, 2005.
- Prof. Dr. Muhammad Subhan Qureshi (Team Leader/Supervisor)
- Prof. Dr. Umar Sadique, Consultant Animal Health
- Prof. Dr. Sarzamin Khan, Chief Technical Advisor
- Mr. Muhammad Imran Khan, Consultant Animal Physiology
The tour was been sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Biosecurity Engagement Program and Sandia National Laboratories. The One Health concept is based on the recognition that human and animal health are inextricably linked. The Scientific Program of the 3rd International One Health Congress covered all aspects of the One Health concept bringing together established and young scientists working in this rapidly expanding and highly multidisciplinary field.
Prevention at the source is key in controlling infectious diseases, having a growing impact on humans, animals and their ecosystems. The 3rd International One Health Congress, therefore, focused on how science could help in preventing emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Through a special Science – Policy interface policy makers and international organizations translated the latest scientific advancements into preventive measures. The scientific program was organized in three sessions, each covering a specific range of topics in relation to prevention at the source.
The sponsors, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) USA, were represented by Dr Melissa Finley and Mr Robert Otero. A presentation was made by Prof M Subhan Qureshi, covering the livestock production system in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and FATA regions of Pakistan, rich in natural resources by hit by extreme poverty. The livestock and poultry farming system are lacking quality control standards and lack of access to modern practices have an adverse effects on the profitability of these operations economically. Similarly the processing facilities and marketing outlets are run without quality control practices and any documentation for traceability. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program is focusing on treatment of diseases and lack appropriate concepts on Biorisk Management.
The SNL delegates desired to collaborate with the Dairy Science Park in establishing a Center of Excellence on Biorisk Management. It will be a good addition to the Dairy Science Park preceded by establishment of Peshawar Meat Company agreed by Senior Minister for Local Government KP and Livestock Business Facilitation Desk-SMEDA/KPCCI inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture KP.
Special Assistants to the Chief Minister on Law and Livestock, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have appreciated the Park and its focus on developing feasibility models for livestock and poultry production and marketing, based on the knowledge generated at the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, the University of Agriculture, Peshawar. The Special Assistant desired for presentation of the proposal to the Chief Minister, comprising establishment of a Business Incubation Center and a Halal Research Center.