FMD Control Strategy under GRASP Project 

FMD Control Strategy is highly important as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) poses one of the most significant threats to livestock health and productivity in Sindh, as well as the broader livestock industry in Pakistan. This highly contagious viral disease primarily affects cattle and buffaloes, leading to severe economic losses due to decreased milk production, reproductive failures, and the culling of infected animals. The Sindh Government has especially included the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy under the Livestock Development Strategies Formulation.

In Sindh, FMD prevalence is alarmingly high, affecting 27.5% of cattle and buffaloes in rural areas and 82.2% in Karachi. Despite its devastating impact, the province has lacked a cohesive control strategy, leaving farmers vulnerable and export opportunities untapped.

To combat this, the Government of Sindh has developed a comprehensive FMD Control Strategy, which addresses critical gaps in veterinary services and outlines a roadmap to create FMD-free zones, improve vaccine availability, and strengthen disease surveillance.

FMD: A Disease That Kills the Farmer, Not the Animal

FMD may not directly kill livestock, but its devastating impact on productivity and economic viability makes it a farmer’s worst nightmare. By tackling this challenge head-on, Sindh is setting a precedent for other provinces and positioning itself as a leader in livestock health and export potential. The path to FMD eradication is not easy, but with a well-implemented strategy and collective effort, Sindh can transform its livestock industry into a model of sustainability and prosperity.

 معیشت کو تباہ کرتی منہ کھر بیماری

Key Components of FMD Control Strategy

Aligning with the National FMD Control Program—endorsed by provinces and developed in line with OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) standards—Sindh is spearheading efforts to formulate its own Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy under the EU-funded GRASP Project.

Regulatory Framework Harmonization

• Sindh is developing an animal health law aligned with Federal legislation to meet OIE guidelines.
• Close coordination between federal and provincial authorities ensures legal and operational consistency.

Coordinated Implementation Mechanism

• Establishment of a National FMD Control Cell (NFMDCC) for monitoring and interprovincial harmony.
• Creation of a Sindh FMD Implementation Cell under the Secretary of Livestock to oversee local implementation.

Veterinary Infrastructure Upgradation

• Conducting a gap analysis to upgrade veterinary services, diagnostic labs, and human resources.
• Linking provincial labs with federal surveillance systems for efficient disease monitoring.

Enhanced Surveillance and Reporting Systems

• Deployment of a web-based real-time disease surveillance system integrated at provincial, district, and federal levels.
• Establishment of divisional lab networks equipped with modern diagnostic tools like ELISA, PCR, and virus sequencing.

Vaccination Program Expansion

• Increased local vaccine production and regulated imports of FMD vaccines based on local strains.
• Developing cold-chain infrastructure to maintain vaccine quality from production to administration.

Livestock Development Strategies – Dairy – Meat – Leather

Zoning and Compartmentalization

• Declaration of FMD Control Zones, including:
  • Karachi districts.
  • Indus River belt extending to Thatta.
• Creation of FMD compartments in hotspots like Karachi’s Landhi Colony, with strong biosecurity systems.

Financial Commitment and Private Sector Involvement

• Multi-year funding commitment under Sindh’s Annual Development Program (ADP).
• Inclusion of farmers, processors, and exporters in policy-making and monitoring frameworks.

Impact and Way Forward – FMD Control Strategy 

Sindh’s proactive approach to FMD control emphasizes collaborative governance, technical innovation, and international compliance. By aligning with federal and OIE guidelines, Sindh is not only strengthening its livestock economy but also positioning itself as a model for disease control in Pakistan. Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy will have a broader impact on livestock production and trade.

منہ کھر سے لائیوسٹاک کو سالانہ 10 ارب کا نقصان ہو رہا ہے ، ڈاکٹر علمدار ملک

Economic and Social Benefits of Strategy 

The successful implementation of Sindh’s Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy promises significant economic and social benefits. Reduced outbreaks will lead to averted production losses and lower treatment costs, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods. The establishment of FMD-free zones will open up opportunities for export-based processing industries, enabling Sindh to access high-end international markets for dairy and meat products, as well as buffalo embryos and semen.

Moreover, the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy is expected to attract investments in formal dairy and meat production, fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities in rural areas. By prioritizing FMD control, Sindh is taking a crucial step toward securing the future of its livestock sector and empowering its farming communities.

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Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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