eChapters

Introduction 
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most significant global health challenges of the 21st century. Defined as the ability of microorganisms— including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, AMR undermines the progress of modern medicine. Antimicrobials—including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics—are the cornerstone of modern medicine. Their discovery transformed the treatment of infectious diseases and enabled surgical advances, chemotherapy, and organ transplantation. However, Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, warned that misuse could render these drugs ineffective. Antibiotics, since their discovery in the 20th century, revolutionized healthcare, saving millions of lives and enabling complex medical procedures. Yet, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human health, veterinary practices, and agriculture have rapidly accelerated the emergence of resistant organisms. Today, this warning has materialized as a global crisis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now considered one of the top ten public health threats by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is not only a biomedical issue but also a socio-economic and developmental challenge. This chapter aims to provide an in-depth overview of AMR, focusing on definitions, history, mechanisms, causes, global status, impacts, and the urgency of mitigation efforts. It also explores national and global responses and future directions to curb the spread of AMR. AMR is estimated to cause 700,000 deaths annually worldwide, with projections of 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if urgent interventions are not implemented. In addition to health impacts, AMR poses grave threats to food security, sustainable agriculture, economic stability, and global development. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of AMR, including definitions and conceptual frameworks, historical background, mechanisms of

Introduction

Until the 20thcentury, bacterial infections were the number one cause of human death. In the 1940s, antibiotics became the lifelines for treating serious infections that saved millions of lives. Despite the advantages derived from the use of antibiotics, resistance to these drugs emerged. Unfortunately, resistance to most antibiotics emerged in time-course even for the most powerful antibiotics developed.Resistance to antibiotics is a challenge to the scientific community in keeping up the pace of antibiotic discovery.World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Reporthas listed antibiotic resistance as one of the greatest threats (WEF, 2020).United Nations (UN) has warned that drug-resistant diseases could account for 10 million deaths each year by 2050. By 2030, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could likelylead up to 24 million people into extreme poverty(IACG,2019). Currently, at least 7,00,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant diseases (IACG,2019). The emergence and widespread of antibiotic-resistant organisms is a global challenge and needs a multi-dimensional approach to address the fundamental issues to minimize drug-resistance.The Antibiotic Resistance Genes Database (ARDB) contains a repository of around 23,000 antibiotic resistance gene or protein sequences conferring resistance against over 240 antibiotics (ARDB). Computational Biology (Bioinformatics) has become one of the important tools in studying antimicrobial resistance. It employs a range of computation techniques to make predictions about the biological phenomenon.

Introduction

The epidemiological risk and hazards to global health security posed by AMR has been reiterating in several World Health Assembly (WHA) declarations and has been prioritized under the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). The Indian Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has also identified AMR as one of the top priorities for collaborative work with WHO and the first National Action Plan on AMR has been implemented (2017-2022). India ranked fifth in antibiotic consumption in food producing animals (ruminants, pigs, and poultry) in 2010. Even though there has been a gradual reduction of 3.6% in antibiotic consumption during 2011-2019 (Koya et al., 2022), with mounting incomes and shifting in dietary patterns in favour of the consumption of animal protein, especially for poultry, the veterinary antibiotic utilization is projected to further rise by 312%, elevating India to the fourth rank by 2030 (Van Boeckel et al., 2015). FAO has already reported some of the peak resistance rates among common commensal and environmental bacteria against antibiotics like penicillin, cephalosporins, erythromycin and co-trimazoles in India (INFAAR). Resistance to the broad spectrum fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporin antibiotics is already more than 70% in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and, Acinetobacter baumannii and more than 50% in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Even the microbial resistance to carbapenems, the last-resort antibiotics, is extremely high among gram-negative microorganisms (Sumanth et al., 2016). To overcome these incidences, it is impulsive to understand the microbe and drug interaction in host system.

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global public health threats. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths (Murray et al., 2019).Despite its magnitude, public awareness of AMR remains low. Unlike tobacco smoke, antibiotics are potentially life-saving medications, but it is just as vital to understand the risks of overuse and their impact on future effectiveness in society as a whole (Langfordet al., 2019). Effective risk communication is essential to addressing AMR because it not only informs professional and community stakeholders but also nurturesbehaviour change across sectors. Within a One Health framework, risk communication connects human medicine, veterinary practice, agriculture, and environmental management, ensuring coordinated responses to reduce misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. This article explores the role of risk communication in combating AMR, highlighting global lessons, challenges, and strategies to strengthen communication systems for sustainable containment.
The Growing Threat of AMR
AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve mechanisms to resist drugs that once effectively treated them. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human health, livestock, aquaculture, and crop production accelerate resistance. According to WHO, AMR is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unaddressed (O’Neill, 2016). In countries like India, with high infectious disease burdens and large-scale antimicrobial consumption, the risks are particularly acute. Communicating these risks clearly and effectively is critical for influencing prescribing practices, agricultural use, and community awareness.Persistent misconceptions include beliefs that antibiotics are effective against viral illnesses and the mistaken notion that it is the human body, rather than bacteria, that develops resistance (Muflihet al., 2021). These knowledge gaps are often linked to insufficient or ineffective health communication (Krockowet al., 2023), sparse media coverage compared to threats like sepsis (Fitzpatrick et al., 2019).
Challenges in AMR Risk Communication
1. Low Public Awareness: Despite the global severity ofAMR, public awareness remains critically low. Surveys have found that a mere fraction of the population grasp its implications, with some reporting only ~8–11% demonstrating adequate understanding and many feeling powerless to contribute (Goshaet al., 2024).
2. Ineffective understanding of Terminology: It is recognized that AMR has a ‘language problem’ and the way in which healthcare professionals communicate about AMR may not always resonate with patients (Langford et al., 2019). Technical labels like “AMR” or “antimicrobial resistance” fall short in public communication. Experiments reveal that phrases such as “Antibiotic Resistance” or “Antibiotic Crisis” are more memorable and better at promoting critical behaviors—like completing prescribed antibiotic courses—than more formal terminology.
3. Misconceptions about Antibiotics: Widespread misunderstandings persist regarding antibiotics’ purpose and effect. Many incorrectly believe antibiotics treat viruses—common colds, flu, or even are effective painkillers (Gunasekara et al., 2022).Some think AMR occurs because the body becomes resistant, rather than bacteria evolving resistance(Muflihet al., 2021).
4. Complexity of the Issue: AMR is inherently multifaceted—spanning interactions among humans, animals, and the environment—which makes it challenging to distill into clear, actionable messages. Understanding Risk

Introduction
India has been making steady progress in the livestock sector with significant rise of meat, egg and milk production and a sustained annual growth rate of more than 5%. This growth trajectory is anticipated to accelerate further due to rising middle-class incomes combined with high income elasticity of demand for livestock products. However, despite having huge livestock resource, protein deficiency in rural India remains widespread. Recent data shows that two third of the Indian households are deficient in protein intake1. Looking at the growth potential in the sector, Govt. of India has put special focus on this sector and have undertaken many initiatives to boost animal health productivity and to increase farmer’s income. However, a major limiting factor in profitable livestock production in India is the high prevalence of infectious diseases. These livestock diseases cause great socioeconomic impact and are often exacerbated by inadequate biosecurity measures both in intensive and open production systems. Consequently, the use of antimicrobials for disease treatment has become an essential aspect of livestock management. Antibiotics usage in Animal Healthcare Antibiotics are an essential part of therapeutic management of infectious diseases in both farm and companion animals, ensuring better animal health and life; thereby also assures healthy food from the animal sources. In India a wide range of antibiotics are available in the veterinary practice viz. Penicillin, Semi-synthetic penicillin like Ampicillin, Amoxycillin, Aminoglycosides like Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Neomycin; Tetracycline, Kanamycin, Erythromycin; Fluoroquinolones like Enrofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin,

1. Introduction

India has a rich tradition of plant-based knowledge on healthcare. It is reported that traditional healers use 2500 plant species and 100 species of plants serve as regular sources of medicine (Pei, 2001). Traditional medical knowledge of medicinal plants and their use by indigenous cultures are not only useful for conservation of cultural traditions and biodiversity but also for community healthcare and drug development in the present and future. Medicinal plants have curative properties due to the presence of various complex chemical substances of different composition which are formed as secondary plant metabolites in various parts of the plants such as roots, shrubs, leaves, flowers etc. (Gurib-Fakim, 2006).

A large number of plants are equally used by tribals and folklore traditions in India for treatment of cuts, wounds and burns (Biswas and Mukherjee, 2003). A wound is a type of injury in which skin is torn, cut or punctured, that disturbance in the normal skin anatomy and function. Wound healing consists of orderly progression of series of events that establish the integrity of damaged tissue and thereby the affected parts repair itself after injury. The wound healing herbs encourage blood clotting and induce the healing of wounds (Sudhakar et al., 2003; Nagori and Solanki, 2011; Binu Thomas et al., 2012).

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rapidly emerging as one of the most critical global health challenges of the 21st century. Antimicrobial resistance can be defined as a condition in which microbes develop resistance against the spectrum of conventional antibiotics, also known as multidrug resistance and these microbes are typically known as drug-resistant pathogens. The infections associated with antibiotic resistant pathogens are usually accompanied by substantial morbidity and mortality along with the massive economic burden on global healthcare, which causing approximately 4.95 million deaths globally each year. The prevalent issue is largely attributed to the repercussions of antimicrobial overuse or irresponsible utilization across diverse contexts, predominantly in clinical treatment, agricultural practices, animal healthcare, war crisis and the food system and a lack of regulation in their supply. Nature has long been a rich reservoir of biologically active compounds with diverse chemical structures and pharmacological properties, offering valuable resources for treating a wide array of diseases. In recent years, the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance has renewed global interest in natural products as promising sources for novel antimicrobial agents. Among these, plant-derived phytochemicals, microbial metabolites, marine bioactive compounds, and animal-based substances have shown significant potential in combating drug-resistant pathogens. These natural compounds exhibit unique mechanisms of action that can overcome existing resistance pathways, making them important candidates in the development of nextgeneration antibiotics. From alkaloids and flavonoids in medicinal plants to secondary metabolites produced by actinomycetes, antimicrobial peptides from animals, and complex molecules derived from marine organisms, nature offers a vast and largely untapped arsenal of antimicrobial agents. Exploring and harnessing these natural resources presents a sustainable and innovative strategy to address the growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. The enormous potential of natural products in the fight against antibiotic resistance is examined in this chapter. The different kinds of bioactive chemicals, their modes of action, and the creative approaches being used to maximize their medicinal potential are highlighted.
Challenges in Addressing AMR with Conventional Methods
1. Weak Implementation of National Action Plans: Only a small percentage of the more than 170 nations that have created AMR action plans have operationalized them with specialized financing and monitoring mechanisms. This leads to a gap between policy and practice, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
2. Restrictions in the Management of Antimicrobials: Lack of qualified staff, insufficient microbiological assistance, and shoddy governance frameworks are some of the common obstacles that antimicrobial stewardship initiatives must overcome. Due to the lack of quick diagnosis, broad-spectrum antibiotics are still empirically used in many hospitals.
3. Diagnostic Barriers: Rapid diagnostic methods are still few, and traditional culture-based susceptibility testing is sluggish. Resistance selection is accelerated by this diagnostic latency, which frequently forces physicians to use broad-spectrum empirical treatment.
4. Surveillance Gaps: Despite the growth of programs like the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), data quality and surveillance coverage are still uneven. The inability of many nations to track resistance in important diseases compromises prompt policy responses.
5. Limited Innovation in Drug Development: Only a few new types of antibiotics are now in advanced clinical development, making the pipeline still rather thin. Under the present traditional paradigm, pharmaceutical innovation is discouraged by market failure due to low return on investment.

India has a very wealthy tradition of herbal medicines for the treatment of many health discomforts.The tradional healing practicese are common and popular among all the tribes and communities.It is evident that many communities have so much belief in their ethnobotanical knowledge that they often prefer a traditional medicineal practicener over any certified medical personality. Among all the plant species which have been already reported by many researchers for their ethno medicinal properties are getting very rare in their original habitat.These plants are obviously of great medicinal importance and immediate need of conservation.Some medicinal plants which are exclusively found in forest are getting lost due to habitat fragmentation and enormous deforestation.

Collection trips were organized in a planned manner so as to cover every locality in all three seasons. Rural and remote areas which were thus far practically unexplored were surveyed more intensively. Frequency of collection trips was twice a week during first year; once a fortnight in third and once a month in the last and forth years. During the field work, observations on the habit and habitat; flower colour; fragrance; fruiting, colour of the bark and blaze in case of trees and shrubs; dominance and sociability of the collected plants were entered into rough field book. In the mean time information regarding medicinal or other uses, if any, were gathered from local inhabitants, vaidyas and haquims. Plants of small size were uprooted carefully and pressed as such. In case of larger plants, care was taken so that specimens should have flowers, fruits, leaves and stems of young and old stages. At least four specimens, for making herbarium sheets, were pressed at spot after tagging; and a tagged bundle of a few plants was taken in a polythene bag for study in laboratory.

Alkaloids are a class of basic, naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom. Alkaloids showed quite diverse medicinal properties (Rates, 2001). Many of them possess local anesthetic properties, but their practical use is limited for clinical purposes (Hesse, 2002). Morphine is one of the most known alkaloids isolated from Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), which had been used and still is for medical purposes. This alkaloid is a powerful narcotic which is used for the relief of pain, but its usefulness is limited because of its addictive properties.

Ultrasonographic examination of gastrointestinal tract is not very much rewarding in dogs because of gas in the tract but it is crucial for a correct diagnosis. Imaging of stomach plays a significant role in the diagnosis of gastric diseases such as gastric dilatation, gastric foreign bodies, pyloric outflow obstruction, or gastric tumours.

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rapidly becoming one of the most critical challenges in global health, with profound implications for both human and veterinary medicine. The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial infections has eroded the effectiveness of many frontline antibiotics, making even routine treatments more complex and less predictable. Surveillance data from the World Health Organization’s GLASS initiative highlights the scale of the problem: resistance to third-generation cephalosporins in Escherichia coli and methicillin in Staphylococcus aureus has reached alarming levels in dozens of countries, complicating the management of common infections and raising the stakes for therapeutic innovation. In veterinary settings, the crisis is equally urgent. Resistance has emerged across nearly all major antibiotic classes used in livestock, poultry, and companion animals. Contributing factors include widespread antibiotic use in agriculture, limited diagnostic stewardship, and the ease with which resistance genes spread within and between microbial communities. These trends not only threaten animal health and productivity but also increase the risk of zoonotic transmission, blurring the boundaries between veterinary and human public health. Global health authorities have long warned of a “post-antibiotic era” - a time when conventional antibiotics may no longer offer reliable protection against bacterial pathogens. Recent reports suggest that this era is no longer hypothetical. If current trajectories continue, drug-resistant infections could account for up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050, with staggering economic consequences. To address this escalating threat, researchers are exploring alternative therapeutic strategies that go beyond traditional antibiotics. Among the most promising are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and bacteriophage therapy. AMPs are naturally occurring molecules found in animals and other organisms, known for their broad-spectrum activity and rapid bactericidal effects. Their ability to disrupt bacterial membranes through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions makes them less susceptible to resistance mechanisms that target conventional antibiotics. Bacteriophages - viruses that specifically infect and lyse bacteria - offer a complementary approach. Phage therapy is highly targeted, capable of eliminating specific bacterial strains while sparing beneficial microbiota. Phage’s can also evolve alongside bacterial populations, potentially outpacing resistance development. In veterinary medicine, phage-based treatments have shown promise in managing infections in poultry, swine, cattle, and companion animals, particularly where antibiotic options are limited or ineffective. The combined use of AMPs and bacteriophages represents a novel and potentially synergistic strategy for tackling AMR. By leveraging distinct mechanisms of action and delivery profiles, these agents may enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce resistance selection pressure, and improve outcomes across a range of veterinary applications. This chapter explores the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic challenges associated with delivering such combination therapies, with a focus on optimizing their use in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

1. Introduction

Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found in plants, which act as a resistance system for host plants and protect them from biotic and abiotic stresses. Phytochemicals act as antioxidants, which react with the free radicals present in the cell. Free radicals are formed in the cell as a result of aerobic metabolism and these radicals are biologically active that damages the macromolecules like DNA, proteins and lipids resulting in oxidizing chain reactions (Moussa et al., 2011). Oxidative stress damage leads to various disorders like autoimmune disorders, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cataract, aging, cardiovascular diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders (Uttara et al., 2009). The major actions of antioxidant in the cells are to protect them against the damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Medicinal plants are good sources of antioxidants such as vitamin E, ascorbic acid and carotenoids. There are huge numbers of medicinal plants that are veiled in the environment. In ancient times, different plant species have been used for the treatment of human ailments from fever to cancer (Devendrakumar et al., 2009).

Ultrasound and survey radiography are two important diagnostic modalities regularly employed in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases. Both modalities are complementary to each other in investigating the problems related to intestines. It is always better to have plain survey radiograph of abdomen first and then ultrasound to rule out obstruction or radio-opaque foreign bodies. Wherever barium meal radiograph is indicated, it should be done after sonographic examination as barium may degrade image quality of the sonogram. Assessment of intestinal motility can be done in real time sonography.

Introduction
A microorganism or microbe is a tiny living thing that can exist as a single cell or in groups of cells. People have suspected the existence of these unseen microbes since ancient times. These single-celled creatures have caused serious infections that often led to deaths and illness. These microorganisms can spread quickly and cause big outbreaks of disease. In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin. This discovery started the development of one of the most important groups of medicines in medical history. In the next three decades, many different types of antimicrobial drugs were developed. In his Nobel Prize speech, Fleming warned that using penicillin too much might one day lead to bacteria becoming resistant to it, which would be a major problem. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest public health challenges today. Many of the microbes that cause diseases, like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, no longer respond to common antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antiprotozoals. Antimicrobial resistance is when a microbe becomes able to survive and grow even when treated with medications that used to work on it. Antibiotic resistance is a type of AMR, but it only applies to bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. Resistant microbes are harder to treat, and doctors may need to use other medicines or higher doses. These options can be more expensive and have more side effects. Microbes that resist multiple antimicrobials are called multidrug resistant (MDR). Those that are resistant to almost all drugs are sometimes called ‘superbugs’. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is used by doctors to prevent infections, but it should only be used when it’s really needed to avoid unnecessary costs, side effects, and the development of resistance. Antimicrobial prophylaxis can be used to prevent a first infection or to stop an infection from coming back or reactivating.

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global concern, rendering many once-effective antimicrobials useless and threatening modern medicine’s foundations [1]. RNA-based therapies offer precision, programmability, and modularity—tailoring interventions directly to microbial genetic machinery [2, 3].
Main RNA-based modalities include
• Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs): Short synthetic single-stranded RNAs that bind complementary mRNA in bacteria to inhibit translation or induce RNase H–mediated degradation [15].
• RNA Interference (RNAi): Though classically applied to eukaryotes, siRNAs or crRNAs delivered via nanoparticles (also termed “nanoantibiotics”) can silence microbial resistance or virulence genes while the carrier materials physically damage microbial membranes— enhancing lethality [3, 4,5].
• CRISPR-Cas Systems: Adapted as antimicrobials, CRISPR-Cas tools can precisely target and cleave resistance genes in pathogens via conjugative plasmids or phages [6].
• Ribozymes / External Guide Sequences (EGSs): Engineered noncoding RNAs that harness RNase P or ribozyme activity to degrade specific bacterial mRNAs [16].
Key strengths
• Target specificity—can silence essential microbial or resistance genes while sparing beneficial microbiota.
• Rapid design and adaptability—once delivery systems are in place, targeting new genes requires sequence change alone.
• Synergy potential—combining gene silencing with antibiotics or physical antimicrobial actions increases efficacy.

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global health threat, diminishing the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacterial infections. Conventional strategies to counter AMR—including antibiotic stewardship programs and the development of new drugs—are often slow, expensive, and labor intensive. However, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) present ground breaking alternatives to address this challenge. By leveraging advanced computational techniques, AI can significantly speed up the discovery of novel antibiotics, enabling researchers to identify promising drug candidates more efficiently than traditional methods. Additionally, ML algorithms enhance treatment optimization by analyzing patient data to recommend personalized antibiotic regimens, reducing misuse and resistance risks. AI also strengthens surveillance systems by processing vast datasets— such as genomic sequences and electronic health records—to detect emerging resistance patterns in real time. These capabilities allow for proactive interventions, helping healthcare providers and policymakers stay ahead of AMR outbreaks. Together, AI and ML offer a transformative approach to mitigating AMR, combining speed, precision, and scalability to combat one of the most pressing medical challenges of our time.
AI in Antibiotic Discovery
One of the most promising applications of AI in AMR mitigation is in antibiotic discovery. Traditional drug development is costly and time-consuming, often taking over a decade [1]. Machine learning models can analyse vast datasets of chemical compounds to predict their antibacterial properties. For example, researchers at MIT used deep learning to identify halicin, a novel antibiotic effective against drug-resistant bacteria. AI-driven platforms can also repurpose existing drugs, reducing the time needed for clinical trials [2].
Fig. 1: AI cyclic interface in antibiotic discovery
Predictive Analytics for Resistance Patterns AI-powered predictive analytics enables early detection of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns by processing clinical, genomic, and epidemiological data. Machine learning models analyse electronic health records (EHRs) [3] and bacterial genome sequences to identify emerging resistance threats in real time. These predictive insights allow hospitals to take proactive measures— such as optimizing antibiotic prescriptions—before resistant strains spread. Beyond clinical settings [4], AI models assist public health agencies in forecasting outbreaks and strategically deploying resources. By integrating large-scale datasets, these systems enhance surveillance, enabling faster, datadriven decisions to curb AMR progression. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also supports global efforts in combating antibiotic resistance through smarter, pre-emptive interventions [5].

Our animal companions are our family members. We want the best for them and want them to be healthy and happy. However, just as it is with everyone else, our companion animals can also fall ill and suffer from emotions such as grief, fear, and anxiety. And while we follow all expert medical advice, sometimes we may wish for something more – something that will make life easier for them as well as us. This is where the concept of energy healing for animals comes in – to comfort and support our animal companions. With joy, we watch them relax with a sigh; we see our nervous dogs calm down, and those recovering from an acute illness get back on their paws in no time. Energy healing for animals involves a holistic approach to ensure the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our animal friends. It is based on the fundamental concept that just like us, our animal companions too have a subtle energy layer, and they too have vital life-force energies or Prana or Qi. And just like us, they, too, have chakras and meridians through which the Qi flows. Energy healing is a set of powerful techniques practiced to calm and restore the balance of the body. This system is largely based on the removal of energetic blocks and helps restore the body’s energy levels. It is crucial for those living with companion animals to understand the importance of energy healing for their animal companions, as it encompasses a broad range of alternative and complementary therapies designed to support the natural healing process of animals. Here are some proven, popular, non-invasive energy healing techniques that bring relief and comfort to companion animals.
1. Animal Reiki: The word Reiki means “mystical energy.” The system of Reiki for healing was revealed by Japanese Buddhist practitioner Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. And while it was initially meant for humans, practitioners soon discovered that animals responded much more swiftly and effectively to this gentle, non-invasive energy work.
2. EFT Tapping: This involves tapping on specific points on the body to free up emotional blocks. EFT Tapping for animals brings powerful transformations when an animal is struggling with emotional distress, such as grief over the loss of a loved human or animal.
3. Scalar Wave Healing: Scalar Wave was discovered in the 1900s by James Maxwell and later Nicolas Tesla. Scalar Wave harnesses the healing power of high vibrational frequencies meeting to create a standing wave, and practitioners use this to bring about healing at a cellular level.
4. Shamanic Healing: In this ancient technique, practitioners work with the elements of nature, such as plants, trees, and stones, as well as beings in other dimensions, to bring about healing. Shamanic healing can reach beyond space and time and has been very effective in releasing old trauma or emotions that are often hidden beneath layers of survival mechanisms.
5. Healing Mantra: Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine, advocates about different types of Chikitsa. Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa is one of the treatment approaches concerned with Spiritual way of treatment. It includes so many approaches, amongst all Mantra Chikitsa is described in Ayurveda at various places as a potent approach. It is discussed for both the healthy and unhealthy conditions. Mantra comes from Sanskrit word which means sacred message or text, spell. The word Mantra is derived from Man+Tra, man—mananaat---just by chanting and tra—trayate---- we can protect ourselves. Means, just by chanting one can save himself in the universe. i.e. it is saved from onset of disturbances. Mantras are the words loaded with power and sounds capable of penetrating our body into deep levels. Mantra chikitsa is the ancient science originated from Vedas, this is a parallel science to Ayurveda also called alternative medicine system.Mantra Chikitsa is one among the Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa highlights the importance of concept of Mantra. In Atharva Veda and Kaushikasutra, the two most ancient and authentic sources of Daivavyapashraya. Mantra Chikitsa is mainly used for both preventive and curative aspect. It is also used for the enhancement of the Gunas of Aushadhi. Effect of Mantra is described as Prabhavajanya action. Prabhava means the specific and characteristic action of substances, it is called as Acintya. Mantra Chikitsa cure the Karmaja Vyadhi and Agantuja Vyadhi. In the Vedic period, Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa was followed in various rituals.

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly recognised as a “silent pandemic,” threatening global health and development. In 2019 alone, bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths and contributed to nearly 5 million more worldwide. Projections warn that by 2050, unchecked AMR could result in 10 million annual deaths and impose a staggering economic burden of USD 100 trillion. A major driver of this crisis is the indiscriminate and often prophylactic use of antibiotics in livestock production systems, which account for a majority of global antimicrobial consumption. The One Health framework—emphasising the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health—offers a strategic pathway for mitigating AMR. It requires dismantling sectoral silos and fostering collaboration among veterinarians, physicians, public health authorities, food safety regulators, and environmental scientists. Against this backdrop, NDDB has positioned itself as a frontrunner in India by embedding One Health principles into large-scale field programmes. Since 2014, NDDB has progressively promoted alternative medicine for bovine mastitis control under its Mastitis Conrol Project (MCP), subsequently expanding in 2017–18 into a broader Disease Control through Alternate Methods (DCAM) project with Ethnoveterinary Medicine (EVM) as the central pillar.
Building Up: From DCAM to DISHA as One Health Strategy
Building on the successes of MCP, DCAM, and BCP, NDDB launched the Dairy Integrated Safety and Health Action (DISHA) project for 2025–2030, DISHA consolidates NDDB’s One Health strategy by combining animal health management, zoonotic disease surveillance, and food safety monitoring. Its objectives include: managing bovine cases with EVM, organising farmer awareness programmes, training veterinarians and health workers, screening cattle as well as their owner for brucellosis, and testing bulk milk samples for aflatoxins and antibiotic residues. Importantly, DISHA also addresses emerging food system contaminants such as microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), Bisphenol-A (BPA) and heavy metals, thereby broadening the scope of One Health beyond infectious diseases.

Architecture of the organ is affected in the primary or secondary diseases of the organs. Ultrasonography plays a significant role in detecting the changes in the organs in various diseases.