DR SC DUTT MEMORIAL KEY NOTE ADDRESS IN NCVP

7th Dr SC Dutt memorial lecture

I am pleased to post Dr SC Dutt memorial key note address that was presented by Dr Kolandaswamy in the 25th National Congress of Veterinary Parasitology in Feb 2016. This is the continuation of Dr SC Dutt memorial lectures that were initiated in 1996 at College of Veterinary Science and AH,Jabalpur MP but faced with problems hence requested to IAAVP to transfer it in the national congress of Veterinary Parasitology so that the lecture can be held every year in the presence of the Parasitologists. In that sense this may be considered as 7th Dr SC Dutt memorial lecture.
I am reproducing the para informing about the decision of IAAVP , for record :

 It is a matter of great pleasure that 24th general body meeting  of  IAAVP ( Indian Association for Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology ) ,held at Kerala Veterinary College , Mannuthy  on  7^th Feb 2014 has approved our  request and IAAVP executive council’s decision as communicated  by its secretary Professor SK Gupta, Hisar  to me on  26th March 2014 . Accordingly, it is resolved vide its Agenda no. 8 that hence forth the keynote address, delivered by an eminent Parasitologist , in the annual national conference of IAAVP will be termed as  DR SC DUTT MEMORIAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS/lecture . Obviously, this key note address will be available on the website of IAAVP, as and when it becomes operational though I will be glad to upload the same on my blog www. Indianparasitologists.blogspot.com  as soon as it becomes available . By this gesture, Dr SC Dutt will be remembered each year by the Parasitologists of the country and hopefully more and more young Parasitologists will read the book “Remembering DR SC Dutt :The Parasitologist “ to know more about this eminent scientist and to study the previous lectures delivered at College of Veterinary Science & AH Jabalpur (the book is published in 2015 by Har Anand Publications Pvt Ltd, New Delhi ); perhaps, following lines of an anonymous poet are most suitable for late Professor SC Dutt   :

Where have they all gone, those simple men with great character,

those unsung heroes with fine minds, but little riches.

Alas, times have changed , there are many making loud noises,

some with much riches, but few with Sense and substance---Anon

I am thankful to Dr A Sangaran, Professor of Parasitology, Chennai and Dr SK Gupta, Hisar for forwarding me the key note address which i am posting with out any modifications.

CURRENT SCENARIO ON ZOONOTIC AND VECTOR BORNE DISEASES IN TAMILNADU 

DR KOLANDASWAMY, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH , GOVT OF TAMIL NADU

Under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, all the Health programmes including Zoonotic and vector borne diseases control activities are being implemented effectively by the Health and Family Welfare Department with the long term objectives of Vision 2023.

Zoonotic diseases are infections that are naturally transmitted, either directly or indirectly, between vertebrate animals and humans. The pathogens that cause zoonotic diseases are bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites or protozoa.  The pathogen infects directly through skin to skin contact from an infected animal or by consuming of diseased animal products. These products can be infected faeces, urine, saliva, blood, milk or other bodily fluids. A bite of an animal also directly transfers the pathogen to humans as well.

In prevention and control of Zoonotic and Vector Borne Diseases in the State, various measures were taken in coordination with various stakeholders. The budget allotted for control of Zoonotic and Vector Borne Diseases are considerably increased by the State and Central Governments every year.

Rabies is considered to be one of the Zoonotic diseases of importance in the state. In early 2000, around 50 to 60 deaths happen in the state. Now, with 24 recorded deaths in 2013 and around 8 lakh dog bites, there is a 50% reduction in the rabies cases. This is achieved by reducing the exposure of people to the rabid dog, by reducing the stray dog population and increase in the awareness of the community. State government have also introduced anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins at primary health centre level, so that dog bite patients can access to immediate care. Also, a new initiative of Rabies-free district is planned and is under implementation. For this The Nilgiris district is identified.

Anthrax is a disease caused by the spores of bacteria Bacillus Anthracis It causes enlargement of spleen. It is carried from animal to human population. This disease was not reported in humans in routine, although cases from cattle were reported sporadically. Surveillance of the people who have close contact with the cattle including, dairy farm workers and meat handlers are under surveillance for occurrence of the illness.

Leptospirosis being one of the reemerging infections of zoonotic origin, it requires timely diagnosis, treatment and control measures. Leptospirosis is being reported from most of the districts of Tamil Nadu. To strengthen the surveillance system and for early diagnosis of leptospirosis, 7 leptospirosis clinics are functioning in Thiruvallur and Madurai Districts. For screening of fever cases, IgM ELISA kits are procured and supplied to the 9 Zonal Entomological Teams, Institute of Vector Control & Zoonoses, Hosur, District Public Health Laboratories and Medical college labs. Outbreak investigation of leptospirosis is carried out by Zonal Entomological Teams and IVCZ, Hosur. Ensuring of chlorination in drinking water and pipeline breakage survey in the affected area are carried out for the control and prevention of the disease.  A State Level Reference Laboratory is functioning at State Head Quarters to provide laboratory confirmation and training. During the year of 2011-12, 3616 Leptospirosis cases recorded in the State and it has been gradually reduced to 1556 during the year 2014-15.  For the current year, 1190 cases were recorded as on December 2015.

The State have taken effective steps on control of JE /AES Cases in multi-pronged strategy a comprehensive National  Programme on Prevention and Control of JE/AES with the  participation of concerned Ministries/Departments has been launched. The goal of the Programme is to reduce morbidity, mortality and disability in children due to JE/AES.

While the state recorded 24 deaths due to rabies and more than eight lakh dog bites in 2013, data available with the department of public health shows that the number of rabies deaths has reduced by close to 50% over the last four years, thanks to concentrated sterilization and vaccination drives.

As per the records, 29 rabies deaths were recorded in 2010. There was a steep rise in 2011 which saw 42 such deaths. The following year, 28 rabies deaths were recorded. On the average, state government hospitals see 100 dog bite cases daily. "In the early 2000s, around 50 to 60 deaths were recorded annually," said the While the state recorded 24 deaths due to rabies and more than eight lakh dog bites in 2013, data available with the department of public health shows that the number of rabies deaths has reduced by close to 50% over the last four years, thanks to concentrated sterilization and vaccination drives.

As per the records, 29 rabies deaths were recorded in 2010. There was a steep rise in 2011 which saw 42 such deaths. The following year, 28 rabies deaths were recorded. On the average, state government hospitals see 100 dog bite cases daily. "In the early 2000s, around 50 to 60 deaths were recorded annually," said the While the state recorded 24 deaths due to rabies and more than eight lakh dog bites in 2013, data available with the department of public health shows that the number of rabies deaths has reduced by close to 50% over the last four years, thanks to concentrated sterilization and vaccination drives.

As per the records, 29 rabies deaths were recorded in 2010. There was a steep rise in 2011 which saw 42 such deaths. The following year, 28 rabies deaths were recorded. On the average, state government hospitals see 100 dog bite cases daily. "In the early 2000s, around 50 to 60 deaths were recorded annually," said the

The National Filaria Control Programme is being implemented in Tamil Nadu since 1957. There were 14 filaria endemic districts namely, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Vellore ,Cuddalore, Villupuram, Trichy, Perambalur, Pudukottai, Thiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Ariyalur, Nagapattinam, Kanniyakumari in the State. Under Filaria Control Programme , 25 Filaria Control Units have been established filaria control activities are carried out in 43 urban areas through Night Clinics (44) and Filaria and Malaria Clinics(42) and conduct anti larval operation. Larvicides and tablets (Di-ethyl Carbamazine (DEC) and Albendozole) are procured from Government of India funds.

Single dose Mass DEC Drug Administration programme (MDA) is being carried out from 1997-98 in all endemic districts. The Mass Drug Administration programme was conducted in endemic districts with the objective to bring down the mf rate to less than 1.

The filarial cases are in declining trend due to the continued effort of the department.  During the year 2008, 89 micro filarial positive cases were recorded in the endemic districts of the State and now drastically decreased to 9 micro filarial cases in three endemic districts.

Although the incidence of malaria declined significantly, it continues to remain an important public health issue. No death have been recorded under malaria affected districts. While the number of cases has shown a steady decline, still it is reported in few urban and rural areas in Tamil Nadu viz., Chennai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai and Kanniyakumari Districts. The total number of positive cases recorded in the State last year was 8714.  Till now in the current year, 379 malaria cases have been reported.  The vector control initiatives are now taken up by the local bodies in a comprehensive manner.

For the prevention and control of Dengue, various steps are taken by the department including

•         State Level and District level Epidemic co-ordination committee meeting for action plan against implementation of Dengue control.

•         Intensive driving being undertaken for source reduction of mosquitoes and effective case management of fever cases.

•         Indigenous traditional Indian Medicine such as Nila Vembu, Malai Vembu and papaya leaf juices are given to public based on the guidance of our Hon’ble Chief Minister which had a remarkable effect.

•         Daily fever surveillance is done in all Primary Health Centres, Taluk Hospitals, District Hospitals, Medical College Hospitals and Private Hospitals.

•         Medical camps are conducted to check fever.

•         All doctors are oriented on Dengue case management protocols.

•         People are educated on the care of Dengue affected patients.

•         IEC materials with message on Dengue and Chikungunya like corrugated boards have been prepared and displayed.

•         Short film has been prepared and distributed to all districts screening

Daily fever admission for all fevers in the Government and Private Medical Institutions are monitored and analysed.  We have taken specific precaution steps for Zika viral diseases and alert the important stakeholders in the state.

Health awareness activities among the various stakeholders were taken effectively for the control of Vector Borne Diseases and Zoonotic diseases. The State Public Health Department established 104- Health Help line functioning round the clock at the Directorate. A 24x7 epidemic control room is functioning for effective real time disease monitoring and media scanning.

In recent times, emerging zoonotic diseases are posing threat to Tamil Nadu including Ebola and ZIKA from other countries and Kyasanur forest disease from nearby states. Constant vigil on the disease surveillance is needed for better prevention and control of zoonotic and vector borne diseases.

Organised public health efforts, inter-sectoral coordination, community participation and international collaboration are needed for prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging diseases. One health approach is a strategic way of controlling zoonotic diseases. Govt. of Tamil Nadu is taking above measures for the prevention and control of the zoonotic diseases in the state.