Punjab Launches 15 FMD-Free Zones and Diagnostic Overhaul to Target Middle East Markets

Key Developments

Export Drive: 15 new “disease-free” compartments established for meat exports.
Infrastructure: 133 ultrasound units and 10 portable X-rays deployed.
Economic Goal: Accessing high-value food markets in the Gulf region.

Lahoire — The Punjab government has commenced a major overhaul of its livestock infrastructure, announcing the creation of 15 Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free compartments and a province-wide upgrade of diagnostic machinery. The move is aimed at meeting international sanitary standards to unlock lucrative meat export markets in the Middle East.

The initiative addresses long-standing gaps in the province’s veterinary capabilities, focusing on early disease detection and effective control of major animal pathogens.

Dr. Haider Ali Khan, Director of Communication and Extension at Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, confirmed that the 15 FMD-free zones are being designed specifically to satisfy international import requirements.

“The establishment of these FMD-free zones will not only improve livestock health but also reduce production losses. This will help Punjab’s meat exports gain better access to food-deficient markets in the Middle East.”

According to the 7th Agricultural Census 2024, Punjab houses the largest livestock population in Pakistan with over 104 million animals, yet exports have historically been hampered by disease concerns.

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Parallel to the export zones, the government is deploying advanced hardware to the grassroots level to combat diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

Dr. Khan outlined the phased distribution of equipment:

Tehsil Level: 133 ultrasound machines to cover all 41 districts.
Divisional Level: 10 portable X-ray machines for advanced imaging.
Facilities: Upgrades to operation theatres and emergency units in district hospitals.

Veterinary experts have welcomed the move, citing the high cost of private diagnostics as a barrier for smallholder farmers.

Dr. Wasif Umair, a veterinary pathologist in Lahore, noted that currently, only university-level labs in Lahore and Faisalabad offer modern testing. “Most livestock farmers cannot afford private testing, which is why establishing district-level public diagnostic labs… will help the livestock sector in a great way,” he stated.

The initiative is expected to operationalize over the coming months, with equipment distribution already in the planning stages.