Farms Declared as FMD Disease Free Areas by the Livestock Department Punjab
The Livestock Department Punjab has taken an important step to control animal diseases and promote livestock exports by declaring several farms as FMD Disease Free Areas. A formal notification has been issued regarding the establishment of these FMD Free Areas, where strict biosecurity measures will be implemented to ensure the health and safety of livestock.
Under this notification, strict monitoring systems will be enforced. Health certificates will be mandatory for animal movement, and proper inspection will be carried out at entry and exit points to maintain the status of these FMD Free Areas.
Farms Declared as FMD Disease Free Areas in Punjab
According to the notification, the following farms have been declared FMD Disease Free Areas:
- Fongrow Cattle Breed Improvement and Research Centre Khanewal
- Samson Agri Farms Kot Addu
- Nishat Dairy Farm Pindi Bhattian
- Etihad Agriculture Farm Rahim Yar Khan
- Etihad Agriculture and Fruit Farm Rahim Yar Khan
- Dawood Dairy Farm Sadiqabad
- Fazal Dairy Farm Muzaffargarh
- Khan Dairy Farm Jaranwala
These farms will operate under strict disease control protocols to maintain their Disease Free Area status and ensure compliance with international livestock health standards.
Visit to Nishat Dairy Farm Under the FMD Disease Free Area Program
Secretary Livestock Punjab Ahmed Aziz Tarrar, along with Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Usman Tahir, Director General Extension Punjab Dr. Syed Nadeem Badr, Director Livestock Lahore Division Dr. Tauseef Tahir, and Additional Director Livestock Hafizabad Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, visited Nishat Dairy Farm.
During the visit, representatives of the Nishat Dairy Group presented a detailed briefing on their business plan. Discussions were held on improving milk production, promoting modern dairy farming techniques, and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The officials also appreciated the performance and cooperation of the Livestock Department Hafizabad staff working with Nishat Dairy Farm.
Foot and Mouth Disease Research Centre Lahore – FMD Research Centre Lahore
Importance of FMD Disease Free Areas for Livestock Exports
The establishment of FMD Disease Free Areas is considered a major development for the livestock sector in Punjab. These Disease Free Areas aim to ensure that animals are raised in a healthy environment that meets international standards.
This initiative will help Pakistan position itself as a reliable supplier in global meat markets. It will also enhance the country’s ability to meet international sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for livestock exports.
Officials have revealed that the government plans to establish seven more FMD Free Areas next year. This expansion will support investment in the livestock sector and encourage modern farming practices.
Under the program, free vaccination campaigns are being conducted in buffer zones. Systems for animal identification and record keeping are also being strengthened to improve traceability and disease monitoring.
Monitoring System in Disease Free Areas
To maintain the status of FMD Free Areas, special monitoring mechanisms have been introduced. These include the establishment of check posts to regulate livestock movement and prevent disease transmission.
These measures will not only strengthen disease surveillance but also improve farmers’ access to better markets and encourage private sector investment in livestock farming.
Background of the FMD Disease Free Area Concept
The concept of FMD Disease Free Areas was initially introduced during the tenure of Naseem Sadiq as Secretary of Livestock. The initiative has been actively supported by Secretary Livestock Punjab Ahmed Aziz Tarrar, while Additional Secretary Livestock Dr. Usman Tahir has been working on this concept since the earlier phase of the program.
Director General Research Dr. Sajjad Hussain also played a key role in implementing this project and turning the concept of FMD Disease Free Areas into a practical initiative.
Future Impact of FMD Disease Free Areas in Pakistan
Officials believe that the establishment of FMD Disease Free Areas will significantly strengthen Pakistan’s livestock sector. It will help the country gain better access to international markets and increase meat exports.
By expanding the network of FMD Free Areas, Pakistan aims to modernize its livestock industry and create new opportunities for farmers, investors, and exporters in the global livestock trade.
