December 12, 2024

Sindh, Pakistan signs domestic agreement to produce local vaccine for livestock disease

The Sindh Livestock Department's Institute of Animal Health (SIAH) has entered into an agreement with the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), in Faisalabad, Pakistan to develop a local vaccine for livestock.

Officials announced that the agreement addresses the ongoing challenge of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in livestock across the country. Under the partnership, SIAH will collaborate with NIBGE to produce its own vaccine for FMD, utilising technical support from the latter.

Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Mohammad Ali Malkani, visited the Sindh Institute of Animal Health to oversee the initiative. Accompanying him were Secretary Dr Kazim Hussain Jatoi, Director General of SIAH Dr Nazir Ahmed Kalhoro, and other officials. During the visit, the minister toured the Animal Farm, Laboratory, and Vaccine Centre at the institute.

The agreement was formalised by Dr Mazhar Iqbal, Director of NIBGE Faisalabad, and Dr Nazir Kalhoro, Director General of SIAH. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Minister Mohammad Ali Malkani and Secretary Dr Kazim Hussain Jatoi.

According to the terms of the agreement, NIBGE will continue research on its FMD vaccine formula for another year. After this period, the technology will be transferred to SIAH, enabling the Sindh institute to produce the vaccine independently.

Minister Malkani described the agreement as a significant milestone for the province. He emphasised that developing a local vaccine will not only protect livestock from FMD but also save millions of rupees currently spent on importing vaccines.

"This is a historic moment as Sindh's institution will now develop its own vaccine for foot and mouth disease," Malkani said. "This step will ensure healthier livestock and conserve valuable foreign exchange."

-      The News International