Srinagar, July 7 -- Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department Javid Ahmad Dar on Monday called for greater public awareness about zoonotic diseases and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening animal health systems to safeguard public health.

In his message on World Zoonoses Day, observed annually on July 6, the Minister said the day commemorates the first successful rabies vaccination administered by Louis Pasteur in 1885 and serves as a reminder of the need for coordinated efforts to prevent and control diseases transmitted between animals and humans.

Dar said zoonotic diseases such as rabies, brucellosis, avian influenza and other emerging infections...