Abstract

Nepal has been identified in a high-risk zone by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Nepal’s first official reported case was confirmed on 13 January 2020 and so far, 24,000 cases have tested positive with 91 deaths. The imposition of lockdown has begun since March 24 and it was extended until 22 July. Reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction and rapid diagnostic tests are used by the Government of Nepal to identify COVID-19. Among the worst-hit sectors are tourism as well as travel and the farming industries, the later contributes to the employment of around 65% of the population and a significant share of the national economy. The loss of commercial sectors, such as dairy, feed, and poultry industries are estimated to be in billions of rupees. One shortcoming of resource poorly managed countries, such as Nepal is the lack of interdisciplinary coordination. Over half a decade long professional existence and crucial contributions in Nepal’s overall development, veterinarians are just beginning to be recognized as essential service providers. Since veterinarians of Nepal have the experience of eradicating cattle plague dealing with Avian Influenza and Swine Flu among others, they study and seem to be mentally prepared to handle pandemics. Currently, five veterinary diseases diagnostic laboratories with RT-PCR facilities are serving as COVID-19 diagnosis labs. Veterinarians from Nepal are serving in innovating newer tools as well as performing, supervising, evaluating, reporting diagnosis, and actively in pursuit of establishing the One Health (OH) approach. The sincere and patriotic role played by veterinarians has pressurized the government of Nepal to recognize veterinary service as an essential commodity. In this regard, universities should take the lead and bring veterinarians in policy and planning as well as decision making. The Tribhuvan University is responsible to have the initiative and Agriculture and Forestry University to deliver the missed opportunities. The 17 sustainable development goals that are to be achieved by 2030 are not possible without a multi-sectoral approach and veterinarians are best suited in this regard. It also needs to be realized that veterinarians are better positioned to handle emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases and capable of combating the present situation of COVID19 pandemics. Reiterating the fact that OH approach should not only be in paper and there is no alternative but combined utilization of scarce resources for healthy animals, humans, and the environment with the veterinary profession at its core.