Punjab Livestock Department Adopts Zero-Tolerance Policy on Animal Disease Reporting | Supply of FMD Vaccines
Punjab Livestock Department Secretary Ahmed Aziz Tarar has announced a zero-tolerance policy on animal disease reporting and on concealing outbreaks. He warned that the department will take the strictest possible action against staff who violate the policy. Furthermore, the secretary livestock has ordered an ample supply of FMD vaccines across all districts and tehsils.
He issued the warning while chairing a high-level emergency meeting of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab. The meeting reviewed the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) across Punjab. Officials also examined vaccine availability and ongoing preventive measures.
Foot and Mouth Disease Research Centre Lahore – FMD Research Centre Lahore
The online meeting included Additional Secretary (Technical) Dr. Usman Tahir, Director General (Research) Dr. Sajjad Hussain, and Director General (Extension) Dr. Syed Nadeem Badar. In addition, all Additional Directors and Divisional Directors attended the meeting through video link.
During the meeting, officials reviewed FMD vaccine availability across all districts. They also assessed disease control measures and discussed the situation in affected areas. Furthermore, the department directed field staff to strictly follow all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Officials must also report suspected disease outbreaks promptly through the ADRS Info app. The department further directed field teams to conduct ring vaccination around affected areas. These measures aim to contain FMD and prevent its further spread.
Meanwhile, Director General (Research) Dr. Sajjad Hussain briefed the meeting about the available vaccine stocks. He stated that sufficient FMD vaccine remains available within the cold chain system of the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI).
Following the briefing, Secretary Ahmed Aziz Tarar issued strict instructions for immediate vaccine distribution. He directed Director General (Extension) Dr. Nadeem Badar to ensure sufficient FMD vaccine supplies.
