China Donated Veterinary Vaccines to Pakistan to Strengthen Livestock Disease Control
China has donated veterinary vaccines to Pakistan against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Brucellosis. The vaccines were formally handed over to Pakistani authorities at a ceremony held at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) in Islamabad. The donation will support Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen Animal disease control and protect animal health. The initiative will help protect livestock from infectious diseases. It will also strengthen Pakistan-China cooperation in livestock health.
The National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) in Islamabad hosted a ceremony to mark the initiative. Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) Rana Tanveer Hussain attended the event. Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Shi Yuanqiang, MNFSR Secretary Amir Ali Ahmad, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Chairman Dr. Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, senior officials, scientists and livestock experts also attended.
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Rana Tanveer Hussain thanked the Chinese government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Chinese Embassy for the donation. He said the initiative reflects the strong and long-standing friendship between Pakistan and China.
He also highlighted China’s expertise in livestock health, veterinary services, agricultural research and biotechnology. Therefore, Pakistan aims to expand technical and institutional cooperation with China in these fields.
Focus on Livestock Disease Control through China-donated Veterinary Vaccines to Pakistan
The minister said livestock plays a vital role in Pakistan’s agricultural economy. It also provides an important source of income for rural communities and small farmers.
However, diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease and Brucellosis can reduce milk and meat production. They can also affect breeding and overall animal productivity. As a result, farmers can face significant economic losses.
Rana Tanveer said timely vaccination is essential for effective livestock disease control. He added that strong veterinary services and preventive measures can reduce disease spread and protect farmers from production losses.
Veterinary Vaccines to Pakistan: Lumpy Skin and Brucella Vaccines
The minister said the donated Lumpy Skin vaccine and Brucella vaccine will strengthen Pakistan’s animal disease prevention efforts. He stressed that authorities will use the vaccines according to technical and regulatory requirements.
The authorities will also ensure proper vaccine handling, cold-chain management and monitoring. Meanwhile, MNFSR will work with provincial livestock departments, veterinary services and research institutions to improve animal health measures.
Field Demonstration of Brucella Vaccine and Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccine at NARC
The ceremony also included a field demonstration of the vaccination procedure at NARC. The minister appreciated the efforts of Pakistani and Chinese officials, scientists, veterinary experts and technical teams.
He expressed hope that the initiative would further strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and China in animal health and agriculture. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with China to support farmers, livestock producers and rural communities.
What is Brucellosis?
Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease that mainly affects cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock. It primarily affects the reproductive system and can cause abortion, infertility, retained placenta and reduced milk production. Brucellosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. In cattle, Brucella abortus is the main causative species, while Brucella melitensis mainly affects goats and sheep and can also infect humans.
What is Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)?
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes. It is caused by Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), which belongs to the Capripoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family.
The disease mainly spreads through biting insects, such as mosquitoes, stable flies and ticks. Infected animals may develop fever, enlarged lymph nodes and characteristic firm skin nodules or lumps. It can also cause swelling, weight loss, reduced milk production and reproductive problems.
LSD usually does not cause high mortality, but it can lead to significant economic losses because of reduced milk and meat production, damage to hides and reproductive problems. Vaccination, insect control, and movement restrictions are important measures for controlling the disease.
