The 41st Annual Convention of the Indian Society for Veterinary Medicine (ISVMCON-2025) opened on 17th Feb,2025 at SKUAST-Jammu’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry (FVSc & AH), R.S. Pura, with an air of anticipation and excitement. Scientists, researchers, and veterinary professionals from across the country gathered to discuss the latest breakthroughs in animal healthcare, precision medicine, and digital veterinary technologies. The conference, inaugurated by Dr. Shiv Prasad Kimothi, Member, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), as the Chief Guest, and presided over by Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, set the stage for three days of intensive discussions, research presentations, and knowledge sharing. From nuclear medicine and AI-powered diagnostics to herbal therapies and One Health initiatives, ISVMCON-2025 proved to be a landmark event in veterinary science.
A Celebration of Scientific Excellence
The inaugural session began with a warm welcome note from Dr. Rajesh Katoch, Dean, FVSc & AH, who highlighted SKUAST-Jammu’s commitment to cutting-edge veterinary research. Dr. Jaswinder Soodan, Dean, College of Dairy Technology, then introduced the theme of ISVMCON-2025, emphasizing AI-driven diagnostics, nuclear medicine, and alternative therapies in veterinary practice.
From Herbal Remedies to Nuclear Medicine: ISVMCON-2025 Redefines Veterinary Care
One of the biggest highlights of the conference was the presentation by Dr Galdhar from Mumbai Veterinary College, who introduced nuclear medicine and targeted drug delivery for veterinary applications. His research focuses on radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosing and treating diseases such as cancer in animals. “The same precision that nuclear medicine has brought to human healthcare can now be applied to veterinary science,” he said. “With targeted drug delivery using radioisotopes, we can detect tumors early, minimize side effects, and improve treatment success rates.” The audience listened in awe as the potential of nuclear medicine for veterinary oncology and metabolic disorders was discussed. It was clear that this could be a game-changer for veterinary healthcare.He said nuclear medicine is an emerging field in veterinary diagnostics and therapeutics, offering unparalleled accuracy in detecting and treating diseases. Some of its most promising applications include:
- Early Cancer Detection: Radioisotope-labeled tracers help in identifying tumors at an early stage, allowing for timely surgical or medical intervention.
- Targeted Drug Delivery: Nuclear-tagged drugs can be used to deliver medication directly to affected tissues, reducing damage to healthy cells and improving treatment outcomes.
- Bone and Joint Imaging: Advanced radio-imaging techniques allow for detailed skeletal scans, helping diagnose fractures, arthritis, and bone infections in large and small animals.
- Metabolic and Endocrine Disease Diagnosis: Radioactive tracers are being used to detect thyroid imbalances, liver dysfunction, and kidney disorders in livestock and companion animals.
The discussions at ISVMCON-2025 revealed that nuclear medicine could revolutionize veterinary oncology and metabolic disease management, ensuring more accurate diagnostics and effective treatment strategies.
Another fascinating area of discussion was alternative medicine in veterinary healthcare. As concerns over antibiotic resistance and drug overuse grow, researchers are turning to traditional remedies and natural healing methods.
- Research papers were presented research on herbal extracts from neem, tulsi, and ashwagandha, which showed significant anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects in cattle suffering from mastitis.
- Speakers unveiled new research on acupuncture and naturopathy for pain management in equine and companion animals, providing non-invasive treatment options for chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
These studies not only highlighted the effectiveness of alternative therapies but also reinforced the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science.
The Role of SKUAST-Jammu in Veterinary Research
As the host institution, SKUAST-Jammu played a pivotal role in showcasing its ongoing contributions to veterinary science. Prof. B.N. Tripathi proudly shared some of the university’s key research initiatives.“At SKUAST-Jammu, our research is not confined to laboratories; it is meant to create real-world impact,” said Prof. Tripathi. “Through interdisciplinary collaborations, we are ensuring that farmers and veterinarians benefit from the latest innovations in veterinary medicine.”
An Unforgettable Learning Experience
As the 2nd day drew to a close, attendees reflected on the wealth of knowledge shared. The conference hall buzzed with discussions, as young researchers engaged with experts, seeking guidance on how to apply these breakthroughs in their own work. With one more day of panel discussions, research presentations, and expert-led workshops ahead, ISVMCON-2025 is set to leave a lasting impact on veterinary science in India and beyond. As ISVMCON-2025 continues, it is evident that veterinary medicine is evolving at an extraordinary pace. From nuclear medicine and AI-driven disease detection to herbal remedies and sustainable livestock management, the combination of technology and traditional wisdom is shaping a new future for animal healthcare. With institutions like SKUAST-Jammu and leading veterinary universities driving innovation, the goal is clear—to revolutionize veterinary medicine, enhance livestock welfare, and ensure better disease control strategies for a healthier tomorrow. The conference will continue until February 19, 2025, with more groundbreaking research expected to be unveiled, fostering collaborations that will define the next phase of veterinary medicine.
Empowering Farmers: Research with Practical Applications
A major focus of ISVMCON-2025 was on farmer-oriented research, ensuring that scientific advancements directly benefit those who depend on livestock for their livelihood.
Several research papers addressed the practical challenges faced by farmers and provided innovative, cost-effective solutions:
- Early Disease Detection in Dairy Cattle: Researchers presented AI-based mobile applications that allow farmers to scan symptoms and detect diseases in dairy animals, enabling timely treatment and reducing economic losses.
- Low-Cost Herbal Mastitis Treatment: A study showcased the use of locally available herbal extracts to manage mastitis in cows, offering an affordable alternative to expensive antibiotics.
- Climate-Resilient Livestock Management: Experts discussed feeding strategies for heat-stressed cattle, ensuring optimal milk production even during extreme weather conditions.
- Digital Veterinary Services: A groundbreaking project demonstrated telemedicine platforms that connect farmers with veterinarians via mobile apps, bridging the gap between rural livestock owners and veterinary experts.
Indian Society for Veterinary Medicine (ISVM): A Pillar of Veterinary Advancement
Founded in 1978, the Indian Society for Veterinary Medicine (ISVM) has been instrumental in promoting veterinary research, clinical excellence, and education across India. With a mission to advance the science and practice of veterinary medicine, ISVM has played a key role in:
- Bridging research and clinical applications in veterinary medicine.
- Encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations between veterinarians, researchers, and policymakers.
- Organizing annual conventions and national conferences to provide a platform for veterinary professionals to exchange knowledge.
- Advocating for One Health approaches to ensure the well-being of animals, humans, and the environment.
As ISVMCON-2025 continues to unfold, it is clear that veterinary medicine is entering a new era of innovation and collaboration. From AI-powered diagnostics and nuclear medicine to herbal therapies and farmer-friendly technologies, this conference has highlighted the synergy between modern science and traditional knowledge in advancing animal healthcare. With scientists, veterinarians, and policymakers working together, the breakthroughs presented here will not only enhance disease prevention and treatment but also empower farmers with practical, cost-effective solutions. As the discussions and research presentations continue over the next two days, ISVMCON-2025 is set to leave a lasting impact on veterinary science, shaping the future of animal health, welfare, and sustainable livestock management.
