Karachi: In a significant development for animal health in Sindh, the province aims to be free of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) by June 2025. This announcement was made by Syed Najmi Alam, the Provincial Advisor for Livestock, during a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Sindh Institute of Animal Health.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the meeting, which took place in Mr. Alam’s office, saw the approval of several crucial projects, including the development of an FMD vaccine. The meeting focused on enhancing the research capabilities of the department due to a notable lack of funds in this area. To this end, separate allocations are to be made to bolster research efforts.
Additionally, the board approved the preparation of a dog bite vaccine alongside various other vaccines. Mr. Alam emphasized the importance of rigorous work on these products and their progression through laboratory stages before final market release. He projected that once these projects are commercialized, the Sindh Institute of Animal Health will be positioned to export these vaccines.
The meeting also resolved that the department should provide monthly reports on the carpet vaccine and formulate a 20-year breeding policy. Notably, all vaccines developed by the Sindh Institute of Animal Health will undergo verification by private companies. The deadline set for June 2025 marks a significant milestone in the region’s effort to control and eventually eradicate foot and mouth disease.