The Sheep Husbandry Department Baramulla on Monday organised a Continuing Veterinary Education (CVE) Programme on “Anti-Microbial Resistance” as part of World Anti-Microbial Resistance Awareness Week (18–24 November 2025). The event was held at the Veterinary Hospital, Chijhama, with the aim of raising awareness and improving understanding of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans.
The programme was attended by veterinarians, para-vets, students, farmers and representatives from pharmaceutical companies. It began with a welcome address by Dr Irfan Mohd Magray.
Several subject experts delivered detailed lectures on key aspects of AMR. Dr Muneer Ah Dar, PhD, Veterinary Pharmacology, spoke about the impacts, challenges and future prospects of antimicrobial resistance. Dr Asif Rasool discussed the current status of AMR in veterinary medicine and stressed the importance of withdrawal periods for commonly used antimicrobials. Dr Saima Mushtaq presented insights on the impact of AMR on zoonotic diseases, while Dr Rayees highlighted the role of vaccines and herbal products as alternatives to reduce antibiotic use in food-producing animals.
Students from New Era Model Public School, Chijhama — Iqra Fayaz, Aleeza Irshad and Uzma Parvez — along with pharmaceutical representatives, shared their views on the consequences of non-judicious antibiotic use in animals.
District Sheep Husbandry Officer Baramulla, Dr Showkat A Ahanger, emphasised the judicious use of antibiotics and the urgent need to raise awareness among farmers to encourage responsible practices. He underlined the crucial role of veterinarians in preventive health, monitoring and reporting, implementing AMR stewardship in farms and hospitals, adopting the One Health approach and supporting policy development. He added that the 2025 WAAW theme, “Act Now, Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” is a shared responsibility that calls for strengthened surveillance and diagnostics.
Appreciation certificates and mementoes were presented to the speakers, and refreshments were served to the participants.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr Irfan Mohd Magray.
