In a first, ICMR to study zoonotic diseases that could spill over from birds to humans

In a one of its kind research, India is set to begin an inter-ministerial scientific study aimed at detecting zoonotic diseases that could spill over from birds to humans, seeking to unravel the critical intersection of human, bird and forest health in spread of such diseases.  

 The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Friday launched the novel study “Building a surveillance model for detecting zoonotic spillover in increased bird-human interaction settings using the One Health approach: A study at selected bird sanctuaries and wetlands.” 

The study aims to develop a real-time surveillance model to detect and diagnose zoonotic diseases in bird sanctuary workers and nearby residents. It will be conducted in select bird sanctuaries and wetlands across Sikkim, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, leveraging the One Health approach to monitor the health of human populations and migratory bird species, as well as the environment in which they coexist.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General (ICMR) said “Just as a strong radar system is essential for timely and precise action, robust surveillance systems are critical for early detection and containment of emerging health threats. Scientific departments have a pivotal role in developing innovative tools and advancing research to strengthen these surveillance ‘radars’ which can be implemented in a programmatic manner.”

With India being a vital hub along the Central Asian migratory bird flyway, bird sanctuaries represent an interface where the risk of zoonotic transmission is heightened. It will involve periodic sampling of birds and environmental specimens to screen for emerging pathogens, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for the early identification of novel infections.

“It is imperative to understand the mechanisms and drivers responsible for zoonotic spillovers, so that timely and coordinated actions can be taken. NCDC welcomes this vital initiative, which aligns with our national strategy to detect, prevent, and respond to zoonotic threats”, said Dr. Ranjan Das, Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).