TODAY -

World Veterinary Day, 2021
Environmental safety for enhancing animal and human well being

Dr K Rashbehari Singh *

 Anti-Rabies Vaccination administered at State Veterinary Hospital, Sanjenthong, Imphal :: 20 January 2015
Anti-Rabies Vaccination administered at State Veterinary Hospital, Sanjenthong in January 2015 :: Pix - Lamdamba Oinam



On the 24th April 2021 World Veterinary Day, 2021 will be celebrated globally on the theme of, 'Environmental safety for enhancing animal and human well-being' and it is an opportunity for the veterinarians to highlight their contributions for the health of animals, society and the environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

Environmental safety is practices, policies, and procedures that ensure the safety and well-being of anyone in the immediate area. This can include safety in terms of proper waste disposal, containment and storage of potentially toxic chemicals and much more.The three primary areas where environmental safety is of particular concern are Occupational safety and health, Environmental control and Chemical safety. These areas are governed by laws at the municipal, State and federal level, and compliance with those regulations is of vital importance to many businesses.

Occupational safety and health: Many workplaces have dangerous chemicals, gases/fumes, waste and other potential threats to the health and safety of workers. Occupational safety and healthpractices are focused on environmental safety in the workplace, thereby reducing risks to employees in any given workplace.

Environmental control : Environmental controlis concerned with preventing pollution and other threats to the environment and anyone that may be affected by it. Preventing dumping of chemicals into the local ecosystem or ensuring proper management of waste materials are the examples of environmental control.

Chemical safety : Chemical safety is concerned with the safe storage, use and disposal of various chemicals. Though environmental safety certainly makes demands of businesses in terms of costs of compliance, the reality is that doing so is imperative. Some of the worst man-made disasters were caused by inadequate environmental safety measures. Businesses and organizations have legal and moral obligations to observe environmental safety practices to avoid liabilities.

Ensuring the safety of an environment is key to productivity and function in a work or research setting. A safe place to work is the key element of environmental safety. An effective workplace health and well-being programme addresses individual, environmental and organizational factors affecting workers well-being simultaneously and can have a positive impact on worker productivity and performance as well as health and well-being of employees, families and communities.

TOXIC COTAMINATION OF ENVIRONMENT

The industrial age has added millions of tons of toxic contaminants into our environment. Pesticides, heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury), synthetic chemicals and even chemicals from household products, endocrine disruptors (chemicals that interfere with natural hormone functions), etc. are now pervasive in our air, water and soil.

Combustion of coal produces a number of hazardous byproducts, including mercury, selenium, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and methane. These byproducts pollute the environment, exacerbate climate change and contribute to smog and acid rain. The toxins from mining coal wash downstream, poisoning animals that manage to survive in the toxic environment and tainting the drinking water of downstream communities.

Uranium causes irreversible pollution of waters and ends up in the food chain. It can contaminate aquatic ecosystems for hundreds of years, threatening downstream communities and fish and wildlife.

Oil-drilling method involving high-pressure hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" is highly controversial and dangerous and linked to water contamination and methane production. Toxic chemicals increase cancer rates, cause reproductive problems, and contribute to a wide range of other health problems. These toxic materials poison the future for all life on earth.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND STRENGHTENING RESILIENCE TO PANDEMIC

Environmental health is the branch of public health that focuses on the interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters healthy and safe communities. Environmental health works to advance policies and programs to reduce chemical and other environmental exposures in air, water, soil and food to protect residents and provide communities with healthier environments.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has clearly demonstrated that societies need to strengthen their resilience to pandemics and other emergencies. In the short term, countries are concentrating on supporting public health systems and addressing the immediate economic impacts of the crisis.

However, in the medium to long terms, enhancing the environmental health of societies (aspects of human health and well-being that are determined by environmental factors) is a key component to the economic recovery and stimulus measures that Governments are currently designing.

Limiting people's exposure to hazardous physical, chemical, and biological agents in air, water, soil, food, and other environmental media will reduce their vulnerability to future pandemics and increase their health and well-being.

Interference with biodiversity due to deforestation, habitat degradation and fragmentation, agriculture intensification, wildlife trade, and climate change helps to create the conditions for pathogens to leap from animals to humans. It is estimated that zoonotic diseases (infectious diseases that is transmitted between species from animals to humans or from humans to animals) account for three-quarters of new or emerging diseases in humans.

The global crisis of COVID-19 is a stark reminder of the complex links between the transmission of infectious diseases and biodiversity. Biodiversity loss is associated with the transmission of a range of pathogen, while land conversion and wildlife trade bring more people into contact with potentially new diseases. Agricultural expansion and intensification give pressures on biodiversity. The homogeneity and concentration of crop and animal varieties also encourage propagation of disease agents.

Effective conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity will limit the risk of zoonotic transfer while also helping to maintain the existing ecosystem service (many and varied benefits to humans provided by the natural environment and from healthy ecosystem). The cost of disease transmission from animals to humans should be considered by the Government when risking a disturbance to natural habitats.

ANIMAL HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

While trying to improve levels of livestock production, there could be environmental degradation and pollution due to increase of livestock population, mismanagement and overutilization of the available natural resources and veterinary products.

Land use : If not properly carried out, the intensification of livestock production contributes to land degradation through overgrazing, reduced soil fertility, erosion and desertification. Taking into account the diverse agricultural, topographical and geographical aspects involved, proper land use planning and utilization is essential to reducing the risk of adverse ecological developments, while increasing productivity and animal disease control. Therefore, it requires multidisciplinary approach to ensure the correct planning and utilization of the land.

Pollution: Due to intensification of livestock production, there is increase in use of veterinary products such as pesticides and production of different types of waste, like manure from feedlots. The pollution or contamination of the environment, especially water supplies, due to animal wastes is an increasing problem and must be taken into care while planning to construct new animal house, especially in the industrial production systems.

Slaughterhouse wastes also need to dispose properly. Improper disposal of livestock, slaughterhouse and hatchery house wastes can lead to an increase in predatory animal species (e.g. hyenas, rural dogs etc. on land and sharks on sea).

Environmental friendly methods of applying insecticides are becoming available and they have the potential for reducing possibilities of contamination of the environment. Breeds of animals and their crosses resistant to parasitic species can be used for minimizing use of pesticides.

Changing ecological equilibrium : The reduction of a particular species in an area may have unexpected consequences of the environment through its impact on non-target species. The widespread and disproportionate use of antibiotics and parasiticides has led to the development of strains of pathogens that are resistant to the drug used and thereby complicating the control programmes.

Poisoning of coyotes (predators) to control rabies in Mexico has resulted in a dramatic increase in the jackrabbit population, which become a pest in agriculture. Comprehensive planning of animal health interventions is needed to take fully into account the possible ecological consequences.

Toxic residues in animal products : Toxic residues of drugs may be present in the edible products of animals treated with veterinary drugs. The chemicals used in livestock husbandry practices include antioxidants, antifungal agents, disinfectants, pesticides etc., and these are also a cause of public health concern.

IMPACTS OF FARMING PRACTICES ON PUBLIC HEALTH

Water pollution: Water pollution, resulting from the conventional agricultural and animal farming practices is wide reaching, affecting both surface and groundwater sources, in farm communities and those located downstream. Water quality standards for agriculture-related pollution levels include microbial pathogens, nutrient pollution and pesticides. Reducing excessive fertilizer use and using proper application and storage practices are integral to addressing water pollution.

Air pollution : A significant source of air pollution is agriculture. Use of nitrogen fertilizers and animal waste release ammonia, which when airborne, combines with combustion emissions from vehicles and industry to form particulate matter. Particulate matter can be coarse or fine, with fine matter being more harmful because it can enter the lungs and bloodstream.

Exposure to particulate matter is associated with a range of health issues, from coughing and shortness of breath to severe asthma and premature death from cardiovascular diseases. Large animal farming operations are a source of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds.

Climate health and greenhouse gas emissions : Social and environmental determinants of health including air and water quality and food security are influenced by climate change. Through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, agriculture and related activities contribute significantly to climate change. GHG are gases in earth's atmosphere that trap heat.

The total accumulated emissions associated with agriculture constitutes approximately one-third of GHG emissions worldwide. These emissions result directly from agricultural practices and indirectly from associated activities including the manufacture of inputs (fertilizer production, which is high energy intensive) and packaging and transportation. The main forms of animal farming andagriculture related emissions are methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide.

Antimicrobial resistance: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health concern. Antimicrobial resistant bacteria is transferred from the animals to the environment (and human) when manure from animals treated with antibiotics is applied to crops or run off from fields enters waterways. Inclusion of antibiotics in the feed of poultry and livestock as feed additive also results in the development of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

Vulnerability of food system : Mono-cropping practices increase vulnerability of crops to pests and supports pesticide use. Pesticide harm wildlife and beneficial insects (such as pollinators), that are integral of food production. The use of chemical inputs affects soil acidity, which, in turn, affects productivity. Extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rain and drought impact the quality and quantity of crop yields, damage agricultural lands and impact food distribution channels.

LINKAGES BETWEEN ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND HUMAN WELL-BEING

Ecosystemisa community or group of living organisms that live in and interact with each other in a specific environment. Ecosystem services are the many and varied benefits to humans provided by the natural environment and from healthy ecosystems. Human well-being is highly dependent upon improving the management of Earth's ecosystems to ensure their conservation and sustainable use.

Ecosystems provide services such as the provision of food, water, fuel and fiber, and climate regulation, on which Nations and people rely to earn income from agriculture, fishing, forestry, tourism and other activities.

For enduring economic development and improvement of human welfare, sustainable use of these ecosystem services and natural resource assets is increasingly recognized as a key factor. Well-being of poor communities is tied to the provision of ecosystem services.

Ecosystems must be protected and restored not only for the good of nature but also for the communities that depend on them. Nature-positive businesses can provide cost-effective, business-friendly jobs that stimulate the rural economy without harming the environment.


* Dr K Rashbehari Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is Retired Deputy Director (Extension Education), Central Agricultural University, Imphal
and can be contacted at konjengbam09(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on April 06 2021.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025