Veterinary experts at a seminar on Wednesday appreciated efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization over the adoption of measures against the transboundary diseases spreading in the country.They stressed the need for adopting effective measures recommended by the veterinary experts for the creation of and by awareness among the stakeholders to eradicate these diseases.

The seminar on “Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases in Pakistan” was organized by Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (FV&AS) in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi  (PMAS-AAUR).

On the occasion, PMAAS-AAUR, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad was the chief guest, while  Dr. Muhammad Safdar Anjum, Dean FV&AS, Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Coordinator & Dr. Manzoor Hussain, National Director  of FAO Project,Deans, Directors, livestock professionals, faculty members and large number of students also attended the seminar.

Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, PMAS-AAUR, while addressing, said that livestock sector is playing an important role in the Pakistan economy and called for adoption of formal policy framework on treatment, control, prevention and eradication of these diseases. He stressed on improving per unit animal productivity and moving from subsistence to market-oriented and the commercial livestock farming to meet the domestic demand and the surplus for the export.  He said that it is need of hour to use livestock sector as an engine for economic growth and food security leading to rural population empowerment and socio-economic development. Vice Chancellor said that there is dire need not only to produce high quality professionals in every discipline but also to adopt modern methodologies and techniques to keep pace with the scientific developments. Vice Chancellor appreciated the efforts of FV&AS for holding the seminar and stressed the need of creating awareness in this regard. He also offered full support from the University administration in this regard and asked the media persons to give proper coverage to the core issues being faced by the farmers.

Dr. Manzoor Hussain and Dr. Muhammad Afzal, while delivering lectures highlighted the various topics relating to Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) & Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) diagnosis, outbreak handling and control. They said that these diseases are not only a constant threat to the livelihoods and food security of the farmers and the general public of the region but also a potential threat of banning the exports of animals. They also briefed the financial supports and technical cooperation rendered by the World Organizations and pace of eradication of transboundary diseases in Pakistan.