National Veterinary Laboratory – NVL Islamabad

The National Veterinary Laboratory – NVL Islamabad is the central veterinary lab of Pakistan for veterinary diagnostics, research, and disease surveillance. It is working under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR). It is ISO-9001 certified and Accredited ISO/IEC 17025-2017 National Veterinary Lab. This lab  is the National Reference Lab for animal diseases in Pakistan.

History of National Veterinary Laboratory

The National Veterinary Lab was started as PSDP Project in 1998 considering WTO Scenario. After the completion of its Civil Works in 2002 its operation started. In 2005, it was fully functional and converted into Non Development Site. After Devolution, it became the part of Ministry of National Food Security and Research and still working under this ministry.

Role of NVL in Pakistan’s Livestock Sector

The health of livestock is directly linked to food security, export potential, and rural development. NVL as the central veterinary laboratory is working to:

• Serves as National Reference Lab for Animal Diseases, Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) and diseases of Zoonotic, trade and economic importance
• Carry out residue analyses in livestock and poultry products and by-products to meet EU & WTO sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS) conditionalities.
• Provides Quality testing of veterinary drugs and vaccines for their safe and effective use in animals
• Provides technical support to provincial/regional livestock departments to contain highly pathogenic Emerging animal diseases as they arise
• Offers training and refreshers in diagnostic technologies
• Coordinates & collaborates with provincial/regional livestock departments and international organizations (OIE, FAO, WHO) for the improvement of animal and public health

Divisions of the National Veterinary Laboratory – NVL Islamabad 

1. • Diagnostic & Surveillance
   • Vaccine Quality Control
   • Residue & Drug Analyses
   • Genomics and Molecular Diagnostics

Key Responsibilities of the National Veterinary Laboratory

Disease Diagnostics and Surveillance

• • Conducts laboratory tests to diagnose infectious diseases in animals.
  • Monitors disease outbreaks and maintains a national database for animal diseases.
  • Supports early detection and response to emerging and re-emerging diseases.

Research and Development

• • Developing diagnostic techniques and vaccines.
  • Conducting research on disease epidemiology and pathology.
  • Supports scientific studies on animal disease diagnosis and surveillance.

Quality Assurance

• • Provides quality testing for veterinary biologicals, including vaccines and medicines.
  • Ensures compliance with national and international standards for veterinary products.

Capacity Building and Training

• • Trains veterinary professionals and laboratory technicians in advanced diagnostic techniques.
  • Conducts workshops and seminars to enhance skills in veterinary sciences.

Support for International Trade

• • Facilitates livestock and animal products to meet the health requirements of importing countries.
  • Facilitating Pakistan’s adherence to World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) standards and other international organizations
  • National Reference Lab for Animal Diseases and Transboundry Animal Diseases

Achievements of Central Veterinary Lab

Disease Control Programs

• • • Successful diagnostic support in eradicating Rinderpest.
    • Significant contributions to the control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Lumpy Skin Disease.

Export Facilitation

• • • Enhanced Pakistan’s livestock export credentials by ensuring health certifications.

Capacity Building

• • • Trained hundreds of veterinary professionals in diagnostic techniques and disease control measures.

Collaboration with International Organizations

• • • Partnered with WOAH, FAO, and other global bodies to improve animal health systems.

Lab Network and Working Group

• • • Established the National Veterinary Laboratories Network including 12 labs in Pakistan in collaboration with FAO. Also established the National Laboratory Working Group (NLWG

Contact the National Veterinary Laboratory

National Veterinary Laboratory
Park Road, NARC Gate no. 2, Chak Shahazad,
Islamabad
Tel. (051) 9255104

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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