Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam chaired a high-powered meeting to curb the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) amongst cattle and buffaloes in Pakistan. The meeting was also attended by Secretary National Food Security Mr. Tahir Khursheed and additional secretary Mr. Rashid Langrial. Representatives from livestock departments of all provinces were also present.
Fakhar Imam said that a technical taskforce will be formulated to develop SOP’s to control the spread of LSD. He said that action must be taken on emergency basis to curb the spread and damage of this disease. Fakhar said that the guidelines developed should be followed strictly by all the stakeholders. Minister said that this matter Is urgent and important and should be treated as such. Minister said that a special taskforce will be made that will meet daily in the first week and then weekly to ensure efficient management of the issue. He said that a strategic and operational plan must be made on emergency basis to limit its economic cost to the farmer.
Fakhar Imam was briefed by the Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Akram that 500,000 vaccines are to be imported to tackle the spread of LSD. Minister was briefed that this disease only affects cattle and buffaloes and certain wild animals, which has been confirmed for the first time in Pakistan through clinical and laboratory diagnosis. Lumpy Skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle, buffaloes and certain wild animals causing economic losses due to loss of condition, decreased milk production, abortions, infertility, and damaged hides. The causative virus is spreading mainly by vectors such as tsetse flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Dr. Akram said that it is widespread epidemic across many countries of Asia, Africa and Europe. Disease can however be successfully controlled by vaccination.
Fakhar Imam was told that the vaccine for this disease has to be imported whereas as an alternate goat pox vaccine is being used which has shown great promise. DG Livestock Sind Dr. Nazeer Hussain briefed the minister that almost 18,000 animals have LSD in Sind and approximately 3500 have recovered. He said that the virus has spread in major cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta etc. Representative of Punjab Livestock Department Mr. Nazeer Shirazi said that the movement of animals from the affected areas has been stopped to ensure the virus does not spread to other cities.
Minister said that PM Imran Khan is the only leader who has looked at the bigger picture and plans for the next 10-20 years and keeping that in view we must strategize for the future of the sector. Fakhar Imam praised the current governments efforts. He said that this is the first time in Pakistan that top most priority is being given to the livestock sector to support the farmers of Pakistan.
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