National Mock Drill 'Pashujanya Yudh Abhyas' Validates One Health Preparedness

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying recently concluded a five-day national-level mock drill, 'Pashujanya Yudh Abhyas', in Madhya Pradesh. This exercise was designed to evaluate India's emergency preparedness and response mechanisms in the event of a zoonotic disease outbreak—diseases that transmit from animals to humans. By simulating a real-world crisis, the drill aimed to stress-test the coordination between various stakeholders, including human health departments, animal husbandry services, and wildlife conservation agencies. The exercise is rooted in the 'One Health' approach, a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary strategy that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Given that a significant percentage of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, the integration of these sectors is critical for early detection, rapid response, and effective containment. The drill focused on streamlining communication channels, testing the efficacy of rapid response teams, and ensuring that diagnostic and containment protocols are synchronized across state and central levels.