National Animal Health Research Centre

Introduction

With the establishment of Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) in 1991, an apex institution for agricultural research in the country, National Animal Health Research Centre was established in the same year with a mandate to carry out basic and applied research on various aspects of livestock and poultry diseases of economic and zoonotic significance. This division, since then, has been carrying out problem based research in some of the nationally prioritized diseases and is also striving for establishing and developing its infrastructure and manpower required meeting its long term goal. This division is engaged in various research activities which are carried out in different units : Pathology, Bacteriology/ Mycology/Mycology and Public health, Virology, Parasitology, Pharmacology/ Toxicology and Biochemistry, Immunology and Molecular Biology and Theriogenology

National Animal Health Research Centre has been mandated for research on the health problems of different farm animals and poultry, and to develop strategies for effective treatment and control measures. Eradication of economically important diseases of farm animals has been necessary by updating laboratory facilities, and skilled and qualified manpower. Apart from existing laboratory building, some essential components for the research like laboratory animal facilities, post-mortem room and incinerator house etc are yet to be built.

Attempts have been made to design and implement the research project in a more systematic and participatory manner and these attempts have been facilitated by National Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI) as a coordinating body for research on various aspects of farm animals. Research proposals are being developed through participatory problem identification and prioritization.

This centre was also involved in the investigations of various samples for identification of diseases of livestock and poultry. This division has been involved in supporting laboratory and library facilities for IAAS/ HICAST/TU students for completion of internship report and thesis preparation.

Objectives

  • Assessment of animal health situation and losses caused by different diseases in the country and prioritize research program against them in collaboration with DoAR and ARS and extension agencies.
  • Investigation and development of control strategies against the infectious land noninfectious disease of livestock, poultry, fishes and wild animal population present in the country.
  • Development and standardization of biological reagents used for livestock disease investigation or diagnosis.
  • To develop technology for the hygienic measure against disease associated with grazing and management.
  • Evaluation on efficacy of vaccines, drugs and safety of feeds and feed additives for their quality control.
  • To develop technology for the investigation and control of exotic disease to prevent their entry and spread in the territory of Nepal.
  • To conduct research on indigenous herbal and toxic plants and evaluate efficacy of local herbs for the treatment of animals diseases.
  • To develop technology for the control of insect vectors associated with various pathogenic agents.
  • To develop technologies to protect environment and preserve biodiversity in the context of animal health.
  • Investigation and development of control strategies against zoonotic disease.
  • To provide specialized technical support to livestock, poultry and fish commodity research programs, DoAR and ARS on animal health related research.
  • To provide resource person and facilities for education and training in animal health.
  • Development and promotion of contract research programmes for pharmaceutical and feed industries.
  • To provide repository services for the promotion of livestock production and other animal health related subjects.
  • To provide emergency investigation service for the control of outbreak of disease in the field.
  • Promotion of communication, collaboration and linkages on animal health research with organizations inside and outside Nepal for exchange of expertise and initiation of collaborative and contract research.
  • Assistance to Nepal Government and other national and international organizations in the formulation and preparation of policy on animal health.
  • To conduct national and international symposia and workshop for the exchange and share of knowledge.
  • To document and publish research achievements and disseminate them through, radio, TV, workshop, training, exhibition and extension to the farmers.

Researchers

  • Dr. Madhav Prasad Acharya, Senior Scientist (S-4)/Chief
  • Dr. Narayan Paudel, Scientist (S-2)
  • Dr. Meera Prajapati, Scientist (S-2)
  • Dr. Reshmi Munakarmi, Technical Officer (T-6)

Contact Address

National Animal Health Research Centre
National Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI)
Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)
Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
Tel.: +977 1 5551855,5551292
E-mail:
Website: http://www.narc.gov.np