Toxicology is the branch of science which deals with the study of poisons, including their physicochemical properties and adverse effects on living systems, either animal, plant or microbe, diagnosis and treatment of the effects of toxicants on intoxicated organism. The term toxicology is derived from Greek word ‘Toxikon’ meaning toxic substance and logos meaning study hence it is the study of toxic effects of chemicals and other substances on living organisms. Adverse effects can range from a life threatening injury to something that might be considered a minor annoyance effect. The scientific pursuit of toxicology is involves observational studies on the effects of exposure to a particular compound and mechanistic studies to understand and explain the basis for such effects. These two activities form the basis of toxicology as an experimental science. Toxicologists are involved in the evaluation of household products, medicines and the effects of incidental and occupational exposure to natural or manufactured substances and provide the most appropriate treatment during the accidental exposure. Toxicologists also determine the safety levels in foods by conducting safety studies which progress from experimental evaluation to animal studies and clinical trials. Veterinary toxicologists are valuable contributors to the development therapeutic and preventive measures of toxicosis in animal health and conduct research in new areas such as genomics and proteomics regarding protection against potential toxic chemicals.
Prof. A.K. Srivastava is presently working as Director, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. He completed graduation and post graduation from Veterinary College Mathura and Doctoral degree from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Previously he worked in different capacities as Professor and Head, Pharmacology and Toxicology, PAU Ludhiana, Dean, faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry and Director, Resident Instructions and Dean Postgraduate Studies, Sher e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu (J&K). He has teaching and research experience of more than 28 years and is recipient of several national and international awards/fellowships like German Academic Exchange Fellowship to work as DAAD Fellow at Munich (Germany) from 1988-90, ICAR Jawaharlal Nehru Award, 1985, International NOCIL Award on “Pesticides: Toxicity, Safety and Risk Assessment Alarsin Award, 1987-88 and 1999-2000, ASET Gold Medal, etc. He has contributed a lot to Pharmacology and Toxicology in India, authored 7 books and 3 manuals, edited 16 books/proceedings/compendium/monographs and bulletins and published more than 200 research papers in journals of National and International repute. He guided more than 13 M.V.Sc. and 7 Ph.D. scholars. He has been Founder Chief Editor, Indian Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology and Member Advisory Board of many national and international journals, Secretary, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Dr. Srivastava is elected President of National Academy of Dairy Sciences, Probiotic association of India and Indian Society of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology. He is fellow member of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences; National Academy of Veterinary Sciences, National Academy of Dairy Sciences, Punjab Academy of Sciences, Indian Association for Advancement of Veterinary Research, Society of Toxicology, Society of Environmental Sciences, Society of Sciences and International Society for Ecological Communications, and member of National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. P.K. Verma is presently working as Assistant professor cum junior Scientist of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry , Sher-e-kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu. He completed graduation from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology , Pantnagar and Post graduation from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. He has teaching and research experience more than 6 years and is recipient of young scientists award. Presently he is working in the field of pesticide and metal and non-metal toxicity in animals and also as co-principal investigator of externally and university funded projects. He has published more than 40 research papers in national and international journals , Four laboratory manuals, contributed chapters in books and lead papers in different conferences and winter / summer schools.
