Plan afoot to scale up meat export

Livestock dept launches search for big farmers to establish DFZs in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI:

To enhance the export of healthy meat, the Rawalpindi Livestock and Dairy Development Department has initiated a search for big farmers in the Rawalpindi division to establish Disease Free Zones (DFZs) under the Disease Control Campaign (DCC).

According to official sources, the establishment of disease-free zones is deemed imperative to safeguard animals from illnesses, ensuring their health and vitality.

The livestock department is intensifying its efforts to combat various diseases affecting animals by engaging farmers with a stock of 200 to 500 animals. Regular communication channels between the department and these farmers are being expanded to foster collaboration for the common objective of disease prevention.

Gujranwala and Lahore have already witnessed the commencement of work on disease-free zones, with the livestock department allocating special funds and resources for research-driven initiatives. Veterinary experts are being enlisted to contribute their skills and knowledge to the project, further fortifying the foundations of DFZs.

Rawalpindi Division Livestock Department Director Dr Naveeda Sahar Zaidi emphasised the necessity of DFZs in bolstering meat production and facilitating its export. The Disease Control Campaign, initiated in Gujranwala and Lahore, has laid the groundwork for replicating the success in the Rawalpindi division.

Dr Zaidi underscored the importance of identifying farmers with a substantial number of animals in the division. This targeted approach aims to subject these animals to rigorous medical examination, paving the way for the initiation of treatment processes to eradicate prevailing diseases.

The director highlighted the significance of producing healthy meat to enhance export potential. Addressing the prevalence of mouth diseases among animals, Dr Zaidi reported ongoing vaccination efforts to curb the spread of such ailments. Additionally, vaccination programmes have been introduced to protect chickens from Rani Khet disease, contributing to the broader objective of establishing disease-free zones for a thriving and disease-resistant livestock industry.