The inaugural function of ISOPOL XVIII, 2013
The inaugural function of ISOPOL XVIII, 2013 held at Marriot Goa at the auspicious hands of Shri. Bharat Vir Wanchoo, Hon’ble Governor, Goa in presence of Dr. Alok Kumar Sikka, DDG NRM ICAR New Delhi, Dr. Narendra Pratap Singh, Director ICAR Complex for Goa Region, Dr. A.M. Paturkar, President Indian Association of Veterinary Public Health Specialists and Dr. S.B. Barbuddhe Convenor of ISOPOL, 2013.
110 foreign scientists from 28 different countries across the globe and 140 Indian scientists gathered for the International Symposium on Problems of Listeriosis which will continue for next three days to tackle the issues of foodborne pathogens of animal origin which has become a cause of concern for the global health. Listeriosis a major disease transmitted through frozen foods, meat and milk products is responsible for causing abortions and premature births in human as well as animals. It is also major cause of diarrhea and meningitis in children. Considering the gravity if the disease which is under-reported in India, Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 has included Listeria monocytogenes - a pathogen responsible for listeriosis in its regulation 2011 prohibiting the sale of food products contaminated with this organism.
Eminent microbiologists, veterinarians, public health officials, clinicians, academicians and policy makers will be discussing about combating this emerging zoonotic disease (diseases transmitted from animals to man and vice a versa) from the society sharing the diagnostic technology across the world and tools to control the disease.
Hon’ble Governor emphasised the hygienic milk and meat production which can reduce such emerging health hazards from the society. He pointed out to the scientific community to discuss the issues related to poverty alleviation and tackle the problems with humane sympathy beyond regional discrimination. Since poverty is the basic cause of various predisposing conditions of ill health, therefore, alleviation of poverty with sustainable development and food security solutions could be possible through extensive research in the field of agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture and fisheries. He also stressed on balancing of the ecology and control of environmental pollution since every living creator is dependent on clean and safe air, water and environment.
WHO collaborating centres of listeriosis from France, Germany and USA are for the first time sharing their experiences on listeriosis in South-East Asia on the cashew land of India. Prof. Trinad Chakraborty, Prof. Pascale Cossart, Prof. Catherine Donnely, Dr. Daniel Portnoy, Jeffrey Farber, Prof. Juergen Kreft, Dr. Walter F. Schlech, Prof. MARIA Teresa Destro, Dr. Kathrin Broor, Prof. Volker Gurtler, Prof. S. Igimi, Prof. Jayrao, Prof. Martin Wiedmann, Dr. W.Y. Schlech, Dr. Ran-Nir Paz, Dr. A.T. Sherikar, Dr. D.R. Kalorey, Dr. Atin Datta, Dr. I. Karunasagar, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. K.N. Bhilegaonkar, Dr. J.P.S Gill, Dr. A. G. Poharkar, Dr. N. V. Kurkure were among the eminent scientists along with the experts from food industries are contributing to combat the dreadful emerging disease – “Listeriosis”
Dr. Alok Kumar Sikka, Deputy Director General, NRM Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) briefed the gathering about the role of ICAR which is the largest organisation in the world working for agricultural development. ICAR is determined to develop sustainable management strategies for natural resources for achieving food, nutritional, environmental, and livelihood security in the country. To fulfil this region ICAR is mandated with location specific cost effective eco-friendly conservation and management technologies for higher input use efficiency, agricultural productivity and profitability. He urged the scientific community to come with the concrete recommendations in the interest of public health especially on food safety.
Dr. Narendra Pratap Singh, Director ICAR Research Complex for Goa chaired the inaugural function and in his speech assured to play a major role in promoting excellence in higher education in agriculture.
Dr. S. B. Barbuddhe, Convenor of the ISOPOL 2013 is going to organise 18 sessions on the different aspects of Listeriology. There will be special session on food safety in South-East Asia and round table discussion on interface of researcher, food industry, and clinicians to find the solutions to the Listeriosis problem. He also enlighted to hold the unique session of public lecture on food borne zoonosis and it’s impact on bio-economy to increase public awareness. Dr. A. M. Paturkar offered vote of thanks. Dr. Dilecta D’Costa compered the session.