FMD Vaccine Shortage Affecting Meat Export in Punjab – Foot and Mouth Disease

Punjab is facing a shortage of livestock vaccines which is affecting meat production and meat export. Foot and Mouth Disease is a major threat to livestock. China wants FMD Free Meat while we faring the FMD Vaccine shortage. Punjab contributes to 60% of the export of meat. Stakeholders demand more FMD Free Zones in Punjab.

منہ کھر ویکسین کی کمی کا سامنا، میٹ ایکسپورٹ متاثر، نسیب احمد سیفی اور ڈاکٹر اقبال شاہد کی گفتگو

معیشت کو تباہ کرتی منہ کھر بیماری

Dr Muhammad Iqbal Shahid, Chief Veterinary Officer, says livestock require 110 million doses of FMD vaccine. On the other hand, Livestock Department produces 9 million doses. Besides this, Punjab imports 9 million doses of vaccines. However, Punjab is facing a shortage of 92 million doses. Furthermore, he says 2400 veterinary doctors are taking care of animals in Punjab. Only one doctor and two paravets are available for examining 20,000 animals.

وفاقی سیکرٹری فوڈ سیکیورٹی کا شیخوپورہ میں چائینز بفلو فارم کا دورہ

Naseem Ahmad Saifi, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Halal Food Import and Export says that Punjab needs more FMD free zones. Although Pakistan is exporting meat to Gulf countries. On the other hand, China demands FMD free meat. He emphasized controlling FMD to enhance meat export. He reveals that the worth of meat exported from Pakistan is 500 million dollars. Lahore contributes 60 percent of the revenue. Furthermore, he says boiled meat worth 20 million dollars has been exported to China during the last two months.  This value may reach up to 60 million dollars by the end of the next financial year.

پاکستان سے چائنہ کو ہیٹ ٹریٹڈ گوشت ایکسپورٹ، آرگینک میٹ کمپنی جنوبی ایشیاء کی پہلی کمپنی

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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