Nagpur: Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (
Mafsu) wants to be relieved of the responsibility of testing human samples for Covid-19.
The institute for veterinary sciences was roped in for testing
Covid in the form of RT-PCR tests since April. The laboratory at Mafsu was allotted Covid testing because it required the same equipment and methodology. The institute’s experience in zoonosis was also used in doing the RT-PCR tests, as coronavirus too has originated from animals, said officials here
With over 23,000 tests done so far, the university has written to the department of health a fortnight ago that it should now be taken out of Covid duty. This is because the colleges are expected to open soon after government takes a decision, after which the laboratory would be needed for the studies and cannot be blocked for Covid tests
The samples being kept at the same would also pose biological threat to students. So far the lab is being manned by experienced staff. Once it is open for students too, the risk increases.
Mafsu had to be roped in initially because there were not many facilities at that time. Now with enough testing centres the facility at Mafsu can be easily withdrawn, said a source.
The university is also coming up with what is termed as ‘one health’ project. This will be a major endeavour working on diseases that affect animal and humans. As many infections originate from animals and affect humans, preventive methods and practices will be devised under this project, said vice-chancellor Dr Ashish Paturkar.