The department of Zoonosis is actively engaged in biomedical research, testing and training programmes on a wide spectrum of parasitic diseases of zoonotic importance. The department undertakes the basic research on vector control, host-parasite relation, epidemiology, immunology and diagnosis of various vector borne diseases such as Malaria, Plague. Leptospirosis, Filariasis Schistosomiasis and other communicable, diseases of public health significance.

Research activities

1. Malaria:

Establish strain of Plasmodium species in laboratory for chemotherapeutic, immunological and pathological investigation.

Screening of synthetic drug and medicinal plants for antimalarial activity in in-vitro and in-vivo system.
The clinical surveillance of malaria was carried out in endemic areas of the state.

2. Plague:

A typical example of zoonotic infection where natural reservoir exists in the common and wild rodents. Under plague surveillance programme rates were collected from different areas for the identification of suspected rodent population, flea index, serological diagnosis and cultural isolation of pathogenic bacilli.

3. Leptospirosis:

Leptospirosis is a widely, prevalent zoonotic disease in India. Animals when infected may suffer from disease or remain asymptomatic, therefore continuous surveillance was undertaken. The serological diagnosis, microscopic examination and isolation of pathogenic organism in the blood and urine samples of human and rodents were carried out.

4. Helminthiasis:

Epidemiological study of filariasis, dracunculiasis and schistomiasis were carried out.

5. Vector studies:

Colonies of various species of insects of public health importance along with strain of parasite are maintained.

The department also undertakes identification and preservation of important insects.

6. Venom studies:

At the venomous animals unit, snakes and scorpions are maintained. The venom extracted from poisonous snakes and scorpions was supplied for biomedical research as well as production of anti-snake sera. A research study of scorpion venom and its analysis is currently under way in collaboration with Hammersmith Hospital London. It is proposed to set up a "Scorpion Biology Centre".

Snake farm is an attraction for students' scientists and layman. There are regular lectures with demonstration programmes for educating people about the identification of snakes and first aid measures in snake-bite cases. Students from medical and science faculty visit the snake farm regularly.

7. Insecticide testing:

The bioefficacy study of various commercial formulations of insecticides, pesticides, rodenticides and insect repellants against domestic insects and pests were carried out.