Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain attended a ceremony at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, marking the handing over of veterinary vaccines against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Brucella melitensis, donated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, Secretary Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, senior government officials, Chinese Embassy representatives, scientists and livestock-sector experts.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain expressed gratitude to the Government of China, its Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Chinese Embassy for the valuable contribution. He said the donation was a reflection of the time-tested Pakistan-China friendship and growing cooperation in agriculture, livestock, research and science and technology.
The Minister highlighted the importance of livestock to Pakistan’s agricultural economy and rural livelihoods, particularly for smallholder farmers. He said diseases such as LSD and Brucella can cause substantial economic losses by affecting animal health, milk and meat production, reproduction and overall livestock productivity, ultimately impacting farmers’ incomes.
He said timely vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures for protecting livestock from infectious diseases, reducing disease transmission and minimizing production and economic losses. LSD can result in reduced milk production, weight loss, damage to hides and skins and reproductive complications, while Brucella melitensis can cause reproductive disorders, abortions and reduced productivity. Strengthening vaccination and preventive animal health systems is therefore essential for protecting livestock assets and improving the livelihoods of farming communities.
He said the donated vaccines would strengthen Pakistan’s preventive animal health measures and support efforts to reduce the impact of livestock diseases. “Protecting animal health is essential for safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods, improving livestock productivity and ensuring sustainable development of the livestock sector,” he remarked.
Rana Tanveer Hussain appreciated China’s expertise in livestock development, veterinary services, agricultural research, biotechnology and disease control, saying Pakistan was keen to further benefit from China’s experience through enhanced institutional and technical cooperation.
He emphasized that the vaccines would be utilized in accordance with applicable technical and regulatory requirements, ensuring quality, proper cold-chain management, appropriate administration and effective monitoring.
The Federal Minister said the Ministry of National Food Security & Research would continue coordination with provincial livestock departments, veterinary services and research institutions to ensure effective implementation of animal health interventions.
A field demonstration of the vaccination process was also conducted at NARC as part of the initiative.
The Minister appreciated the efforts of Pakistani and Chinese officials, scientists, veterinarians and technical teams involved in the initiative and expressed confidence that the contribution would further strengthen Pakistan-China cooperation in animal health and agriculture.
“Pakistan highly values its friendship with China and remains committed to deepening our agricultural partnership for the benefit of our farmers, livestock producers and rural communities,” he said.
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