Bhubaneswar, April 27: With an aim for better research on animal healthcare in the state, the Odisha government announced to set up a veterinary university in 2021.
The state Cabinet has approved the proposal and allocated fund for setting up of the varsity. However, no further initiative has been taken in this regard during the last three years.
Students of the College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry under Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) staged a mass protest in January this year for setting up of the proposed veterinary university. The state government assured the protesting students for reconsideration of the proposal, but in-vain.
There are 15 veterinary universities in the country but despite having 21 wildlife sanctuaries, Odisha does not have one.
The wildlife frequently fall victim to firing by poachers, natural calamities and diseases. They get admitted to the veterinary hospital of OUAT in critical cases. However, the hospital lacks veterinary experts and the treatment depends on medicine specialists, said a forest department official.
Besides, there is a need for establishing several institutes like the Animal Diseases Research Institute at Phulnakhara in Cuttack district.
Odisha depends upon other states for vaccines and medicines for treatment of domestic animals and wildlife setting up of a veterinary university will open up new avenues for growth and research in animal husbandry sector, said wildlife lovers.
Notably, April 27 is observed as World Veterinary Day.
