Pakistan has resolved a key issue that had disrupted the supply of Russian Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines, paving the way for the continuation of imports and the resumption of vaccination activities aimed at protecting the country’s livestock sector.
Russian-manufactured FMD vaccines have been supplied to Pakistan since 2012 through the Food and Agriculture Organization and private sector channels. The vaccines play an important role in controlling one of the most economically damaging livestock diseases, which affects cattle and other cloven hoofed animals and can significantly reduce productivity.
The vaccination campaign faced disruption after supplies were suspended in March 2024, raising concerns among livestock stakeholders about the potential spread of the disease. Industry experts have long warned that outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease can lead to production losses, lower milk yields, reduced meat output, and restrictions on livestock trade.
Following coordination among relevant stakeholders, the outstanding issues surrounding the vaccine supply were resolved, allowing Russian vaccine shipments to continue and vaccination efforts to restart across the country.
The development is expected to strengthen animal health protection measures and support Pakistan’s growing livestock industry, which contributes more than 14 percent to GDP and accounts for over 62 percent of agriculture’s value addition. Improved disease control is also viewed as essential for increasing livestock productivity and protecting rural incomes.
The resumption of vaccine supplies comes as Pakistan pursues ambitious plans to expand livestock and meat exports. The government recently launched a national meat sector transformation strategy targeting meat exports of nearly US$700 million by 2028, with disease control and animal traceability identified among the key requirements for accessing high value international markets.
Officials believe the continuation of FMD vaccination programs will help safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, support export growth, and strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in the field of animal health and livestock development.