CSKHPKV Palampur Secures Prestigious ANRF Fellowship for Research on Parasite Affecting Livestock and Humans
Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur, has earned national recognition with the award of a prestigious National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) for advanced research on Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that poses significant risks to both livestock and human health.
The research will be carried out at the Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, where Dr. Divya Rattan will lead a nearly two-year study under the mentorship of Dr. Subhash Verma, Professor of Veterinary Microbiology. Backed by funding of around ₹27.12 lakh, the project will focus on the molecular and proteomic profiling of Toxoplasma gondii, aiming to uncover key biological markers that could improve future disease surveillance, diagnosis and control.
The fellowship, awarded through a highly competitive national selection process, is designed to support promising young scientists in conducting high-impact research. University officials described the achievement as a major milestone that will strengthen CSKHPKV’s contributions to animal health, public health and the growing field of One Health research.
Toxoplasma gondii is particularly concerning for sheep and goat farmers, as infection during pregnancy can cause abortions, stillbirths, foetal losses and weak offspring, leading to economic setbacks. The parasite also has public health implications because cats act as its primary hosts, shedding microscopic oocysts that can contaminate soil, water and food sources.
Humans can become infected through contaminated food or water, poorly washed vegetables, or undercooked meat from infected animals. While many healthy individuals may not experience symptoms, the infection can be dangerous during pregnancy and for people with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to serious health complications.
Researchers at the university will examine how the parasite survives in the environment and identify important proteins and molecular markers linked to its infectivity. The findings are expected to advance scientific understanding of the disease and support the development of improved strategies to protect both livestock and human populations.
Congratulating the research team, university authorities said the fellowship reflects the growing research capabilities of the institution and reinforces its commitment to addressing challenges that sit at the intersection of animal, human and environmental health.
