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(IANS)
From the infamous SARS-CoV-2, avian influenza, and Swine Flu to the slightly less-known Tomato flu, Nipah, and Scrub Typhus — repetitive outbreaks of pathogenic diseases have left Kerala grappling to maintain its robust healthcare system in recent times. Recently, the state detected yet another outbreak! Several wild boars from the Athirapally forest of Kerala’s Thrissur district recently died due to an anthrax outbreak.
While the state will yet again be in the news for another disease eruption, it is undeniable that the primary reason for the detection of numerous diseases is the state’s robust and efficient screening. Let’s dive deeper to understand why Kerala remains vulnerable to more zoonotic and other pathogens, what the state does to curb the outbreaks, and what can other states learn from this small southern state.
Digging the history
Back in 1819, Travancore reported an outbreak of cholera (before Kerala became an independent state). The rulers realised that local medication would be inadequate to eradicate the disease and opened hospitals offering free allopathy treatments across the princely states, which helped curb the infection quickly.
In 1879, Travancore rulers made vaccination compulsory for public servants, prisoners and students. And in 1928, the vigilant screening of parasitic diseases with the help of the Rockefeller Foundation led to the control of an outbreak of hookworm and filariasis.
Years later, in 2005, a World Health Organisation survey analysis revealed that washing with soap after defecation had a prevalence of 34% in Kerala, thereby again proving that it was one of the most hygienic states of India. And now, during the pandemic, the state was one of the first to step up its medical facilities and turn defunct hospitals into COVID-19 facilities.
Why do outbreaks repeatedly re-emerge despite the facilities?
The ‘God’s own country’ is blessed by rich wetland habitats and uncountable waterbodies that keep the state’s greenery alive. However, such habitats are also avenues for transmitting zoonotic diseases such as avian flu that may spread from wild to domestic bird populations.
One of South India’s most endemic zoonotic disease transmitted from monkeys — the Kyasanur Forest disease — continue to be reported from human populations living on forest fringes, especially from Wayanad.
Additionally, experts also blame habitat destruction for being the primary cause of the birth of zoonotic diseases. Furthermore, the unsustainable land-use patterns and lack of effective waste management are directly linked to the spike in rodent population — the root cause of most zoonoses.
“The loss of habitats of wild animals such as bats, monkeys, and civet cats have forced them to move closer to human habitations and establish new interfaces with human beings,” T.S. Anish, Associate Professor of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram told The Hindu. “The new interfaces have led to the spread of zoonotic diseases,” he added.
Lastly, it is an undeniable fact that the state largely depends on animal protein as a part of its diet. Experts believe that this has increased the chances of the prevalence and re-emergence of viral pathogens.
Is there a definite remedy to prevent such outbreaks?
Studies have revealed that 75 per cent of contagious diseases are zoonotic, and emphasis must be given to a coordinated approach among departments working for human and animal health.
Speaking to The Hindu, R Jayachandran, Chief Disease Investigation Officer at the State Institute for Animal Diseases, Thiruvananthapuram, said: “Kerala is prone to such diseases and cannot secure itself from such outbreaks unless necessary measures are taken to screen the animals and birds brought into the state. Strengthening check-posts of the Animal Husbandry Department is the need of the hour.”
Scientists believe that the reoccurrence of such diseases could be curbed by introducing a surveillance mechanism and scientific disease management protocol. Especially with such green lands, restrictions on cattle grazing on forest fringes, safe handling of carcasses, spraying cattle with disinfectants, and pest-control measures must be taken.
Although Kerala has excellent medical facilities, as of now, there are only four virus reference diagnostic laboratories in the entire state. However, 16 more laboratories are set to open in the state’s prestigious Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) this August to carry out better diagnosis and cutting-edge research in the field of virology.
Another effective tool the state currently lacks is the model of ‘One Health’ in Kerala — one that builds on the connection between human health and the shared environment, thereby helping detect, eliminate and respond to animal and public health risks.
Overall, while efficient, grassroots-level screening is a positive lesson that many can borrow from Kerala, its recent history of habitat destruction and unsustainable animal husbandry practices is something that needs to be addressed. On this World Zoonoses Day, learnings from Kerala’s experience can help the world grow more resilient against zoonotic diseases.
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