FAO and USAID support new veterinary guidelines for livestock and poultry

It matters to citizens as it aims to standardize veterinary care, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and improve food safety and livestock productivity across India.

Who it concerns: Veterinary professionals, paraprofessionals, community animal health workers (CAHWs), policymakers, drug manufacturers, and livestock farmers in India.

What the document says

• The guidelines are described as 'advocacy guidelines' and are explicitly stated to be 'not legally binding' or mandatory regulations.
• The final decision on diagnosis, drug choice, dose, and treatment duration rests with the attending veterinarian based on professional judgment and the clinical status of the animal.
• Implementation must strictly adhere to the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984, especially Section 30, and be conducted under the supervision of a registered veterinary practitioner.
• The document is intended to minimize antimicrobial misuse, promote rational drug stewardship, and address the global concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• The guidelines include ethno-veterinary practices to provide cost-effective treatment options for marginal and small-scale farmers.
• The document is a 'living document' intended for periodic review and updates based on feedback from practicing veterinarians over a period of 2-3 years.
• The guidelines cover major diseases in cattle, poultry, camels, equines, and wildlife, comprising nine detailed chapters.

Also in the document

• The document was developed with technical guidance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
• Over 80 experts, including veterinarians from academia, research, and field practice, contributed to the development of the guidelines.
• A shorter 'Ready Reference' version containing tips on diagnosis and treatment is available for day-to-day use.
• The guidelines aim to ensure compliance with food safety standards in animal-source foods (ASFs).
• The document cites India's livestock population as over 536.82 million and poultry population as 851.12 million based on the 2019 Livestock Census.