Launching of Progressive Control of Foot and Mouth Disease Project by FAO is recognition of potential of Livestock sector in Pakistan

Islamabad, April 23, 2013 (PPI-OT): Combating the challenges like that of FMD is inevitable in order to be able to cater to the increasing demand of livestock products as a result of increasing population, urbanization and changes in life style and it is very encouraging that FMD National Project has been launched with FAO and USDA assistance, said Abdul Basit Khan, Additional Secretary, National Food Security and Research. He was addressing the inaugural session of the National Workshop on “Development of Strategy for Control of Foot and Mouth Disease in Pakistan” here today.

He added that launching of Progressive Control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Project by FAO in aid of USDA is the recognition of the potential of Livestock sector in Pakistan.

While appreciating the presence of international agencies and experts in the conference, he connoted this presence as a good omen and mentioned that the participation reflected their commitment and support towards control of the most important animal disease of economic importance in our live stock production system.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest said, “The FMD, being a trans boundary disease, has high economic implications which directly affect the farmers not only from Pakistan but also the farming countries, both regionally and globally”. It had been estimated that FMD in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan caused losses worth USD 7 million in production only, he further added.

Livestock plays very important role in Pakistan’s economy and can be used as an engine of economic growth and rural poverty alleviation. Within only one year, this project has made significant progress towards the achievement of its goals: Through this project the Veterinary Services in Pakistan would be able to further improve their surveillance, diagnosis and vaccination strategy, not only for the control of FMD but also other important animal diseases in the country.

H.E. Kevin Gallagher, FAO representative to Pakistan, Mr. David Ashford, Animal Health Advisor USDA, Dr. Khurshid Ahmed, Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC) were also present on the occasion.

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