Pakistan to Develop Local Vaccine for Foot-and-Mouth Disease with Turkish Aid

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to locally produce a vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease, seeking technical assistance from Turkey. The announcement was made following a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu.

During their discussions, the two officials emphasized the importance of collaboration in agriculture and livestock sectors, highlighting the need for effective vaccination to safeguard livestock health. Minister Hussain stated, “This initiative will not only enhance our vaccine production capabilities but also strengthen our agricultural ties with Turkey.”

The development of a local vaccine is crucial for Pakistan’s livestock industry, which plays a significant role in the national economy. Foot-and-mouth disease poses a serious threat to livestock health, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and food security. By producing the vaccine domestically, Pakistan aims to reduce dependency on imports and ensure timely availability for its farmers.

Next steps include the establishment of a technical framework for cooperation with Turkey, with further meetings scheduled to outline the specifics of the vaccine development process. The government is optimistic that this initiative will lead to a sustainable solution for livestock health challenges in the country.