ISLAMABAD, May 20 (ABC): Pakistan’s cooperation with China in the animal vaccine sector is expected to strengthen disease control efforts and create new opportunities for livestock exports, providing fresh momentum for one of the country’s key agricultural sectors.
The Sindh Livestock & Fisheries Department has signed a joint venture agreement with China’s Luoyang Modern Biology Group for the supply of animal vaccines, including vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The agreement also covers technology transfer and the development of animal traceability systems that experts believe can support the modernisation of Pakistan’s livestock sector.
Disease control key to export growth
Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Dr Umair Nawaz, Manager Dairy & Livestock at Habib Bank Limited Zarai Services Pakistan, said effective vaccination against FMD remains important for improving Pakistan’s livestock export potential.
He said stronger disease management and wider vaccination coverage can improve livestock health standards, particularly at the village and smallholder level where unvaccinated animals often enter the supply chain and create challenges for disease control.
“Consistent vaccination along with proper cold chain management can help Pakistan move toward FMD-free status, which is essential for access to premium international markets,” he said.
Dr Nawaz said improvements in public-sector vaccine availability, cold chain systems, and farmer awareness could strengthen disease prevention efforts and support long-term growth of the livestock sector.
He also stressed the need for stronger public-private coordination to improve vaccine delivery and monitoring systems. He highlighted the importance of deploying trained veterinarians at village and market levels to increase affordable vaccination access for small farmers.
Technology transfer can strengthen livestock sector
Ahmed Faraz, a livestock expert and farm manager, described Pakistan-China cooperation as a positive development for the livestock industry.
He said China possesses strong capabilities in biotechnology and scientific research. He added that better disease management through effective vaccination can support Pakistan’s export performance and improve the competitiveness of livestock products in international markets.
“The global market demands disease-free and antibiotic-residue-free meat,” he said, adding that locally produced vaccines based on indigenous disease strains could provide major benefits for Pakistan.
Faraz said Pakistan currently relies largely on imported vaccines that may not fully match local disease patterns. He noted that local production using indigenous strains can improve vaccine effectiveness and support better disease management outcomes.
He also emphasised the importance of livestock traceability systems for export certification. According to him, importing countries require complete records about animal origin, disease history, and treatment details.
Livestock sector remains a major economic contributor
According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, the livestock sector contributes around 14.97% to national GDP and 63.6% to agricultural value addition. The sector also supports more than eight million rural households across the country.
The livestock sector contributes nearly 2.9% to Pakistan’s exports through meat, live animals, and other animal-based products.
Pakistan’s meat exports reached $511 million during FY2023-24, according to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Industry stakeholders believe stronger vaccination systems, technology transfer, and improved disease control measures can further strengthen Pakistan’s export prospects in international markets.
