Foot, mouth diseases in animals: 'US-funded programme for diseases' eradication soon'

Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that a US funded programme for the eradication of foot and mouth disease in animals under the US and Pakistan Strategic Dialogue would be launched very soon, which would be implemented by United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The Minister said this while talking to Kevin Gallagher, the newly deputed Country Representative of FAO in Pakistan on Monday. "Pakistan and FAO's working partnership spreads over a period of sixty years. We appreciate the role of FAO in reducing hunger and fighting malnutrition all over the world. We are really grateful for the assistance given by your organisation in the flood affected areas in the form of seed, fertilisers, etc.
We, ourselves have provided our farmers with a comprehensive Rabbi Crop Assistance Package, but your timely help proved to be beneficial for many a families," he added. Kevin Gallagher said that the procedural formalities for the eradication of foot and mouth disease in animals are complete and the programme would be kicked off soon after signing the documents between FAO and the ministry. Secretary Minfa Junaid Iqbal, Additional Secretary Tariq Shafi Chak, Director General NAPHIS Malik Zahoor Ahmed and other senior officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting.