Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines

Reference:

Recently, Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG) were issued by the Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry.

Latest Guidelines:

• The aim of the new SVTG is to regulate as well as reduce the use of antibiotics for the treatment of diseases found in livestock and poultry.
  • It also provides for the use of Ayurvedic medicines in veterinary treatment.
• This is the first time that the Central Government has set a standard for the treatment of almost all diseases of animals and birds.
• SVTG provides detailed information about the dosage of medicines, estimated requirement of medicines, duration of treatment and possible adverse reactions.
• According to the Union Animal Husbandry Secretary, the guidelines have been prepared to reduce antimicrobial resistance and effectively control diseases.
• These guidelines have been prepared by a team of over 80 professionals from the veterinary and medical field.
  • States have also been consulted in preparing this document.
• It also provides for the use of ‘Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM)’ and Herbal medicines, which have been extensively used by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for the treatment of mastitis.
• Treatment documents of NDDB and Indian Council of Agricultural Research have also been used to prepare the latest guidelines.
• India is the first country to prepare a set of structured guidelines for the treatment of almost all diseases occurring in animals and birds, covering all categories.

Benefits:

• Inclusion of ‘Ethnoveterinary’ practices in the SVTG guidelines will ensure availability of additional, cost-effective treatment options for marginal and small-scale farmers. 
• These guidelines will help reduce the economic burden on farmers by making the drugs cost effective.
• The latest SVTG will help veterinary professionals, para-professional and Community animal health workers (CAHWs) involved in animal health management and farmers by providing them access to accurate and quality animal treatment services.
• Widespread use of SVTG will harmonize animal treatment leading to healthy animals and safe animal-source foods.
• It will reduce antimicrobial resistance by preventing unnecessary use of antimicrobial drugs, hormones and many other drugs.