Punjab Leads in Establishing Provincial Animal Disease Response Unit
Punjab has become the first province in Pakistan to establish a modern, integrated Animal Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (ADDRS) and an emergency response system. This provincial animal disease response unit system aims to ensure timely disease detection and rapid action during outbreaks. Provincial Minister for Livestock Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani made these remarks at the inauguration of the new building of the Directorate of Animal Disease Reporting and Surveillance (ADDRS) and the Provincial Response Unit.
Provincial Animal Disease Response Unit to Ensure Rapid Action
The Minister for Livestock Punjab said the Provincial Animal Disease Response Unit will remain ready to respond to any animal disease emergency. Moreover, field formations at the division, district, and tehsil levels will work closely with the unit. The new system will modernize disease reporting, diagnosis, surveillance, and emergency response.
محکمہ لائیوسٹاک میں بیماریوں کی تشخیص اور رپورٹنگ پر ٹریننگ ورکشاپ کا انعقاد
27 District Laboratories Being Upgraded
Kirmani said the department is upgrading District Disease Investigation Laboratories in 27 districts within a short period. The laboratories will receive modern diagnostic equipment, including X-ray and ultrasound machines. As a result, veterinary teams will be able to diagnose diseases closer to the field and respond more effectively.
17 Mobile Veterinary Laboratories to Serve Farmers
In addition, the department is providing 17 mobile veterinary laboratories for field-level diagnosis and surveillance. These laboratories will carry modern equipment to livestock farmers. Therefore, veterinary teams will be able to diagnose diseases on-site and take initial control measures without delay.
Field Epidemiology Training Program FETP in Sindh for Veterinary Officers
Vehicle Tracking to Monitor Field Operations
The minister said the department will connect the mobile veterinary laboratories with a vehicle tracking and monitoring system. This system will help authorities monitor their movement and field activities.
He added that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is developing an integrated veterinary service delivery system. Through this system, veterinary teams will reach livestock farmers at their doorstep with modern facilities.
Animal Disease Response Unit Surveillance System Marks Major Milestone
Secretary Livestock Punjab Ahmad Aziz Tarar said the new Provincial Animal Disease Response Unit system marks an important milestone in the department’s disease control strategy.
Furthermore, the department is connecting modern laboratories, mobile veterinary laboratories, and the Provincial Response Unit through an integrated network. Consequently, officials will be able to improve every stage, from disease reporting and diagnosis to field response and control.
Protecting Farmers, Food Security and Livestock Economy
Tarar said timely disease diagnosis protects more than animal health. It also protects farmers’ incomes, food security, and the livestock economy.
Veterinary teams at the division, district, and tehsil levels will play a key role in disease surveillance and reporting. Furthermore, modern diagnostic facilities will help authorities detect diseases early and prevent their spread.
Senior Livestock Punjab Officials Attend Inauguration
Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Usman Tahir, Director General Research Dr. Sajjad Hussain, Director General Extension Dr. Syed Nadeem Badr, Director General Production Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Naeem, Director ADDRS Dr. Haleema Saadia, Director Communication and Extension Dr. Khaliq Shafi, Director RIV, and Additional Director FMDRC Dr. Rashid Munir attended the inauguration ceremony. In addition, senior departmental officers and other representatives of the Punjab livestock community also participated in the event.
