UAF to establish satellite veterinary clinics

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad will establish state-of-the-art satellite veterinary clinics on the outskirts of the city, said UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan. He was addressing the symposium on tick and tick borne diseases arranged by the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FVS). The clinic will provide modern medical facilities to the livestock and pets at the doorsteps of the dwellers.
The Vice Chancellor said that livestock is one of key players which can help alleviate the poverty from the county. He was of the view that the country was having as many as 70 million animals. The hazards effects of tick and tick borne diseases in animals are playing havoc with the human health in the shape of their effects in milk and meat production. He urged the scientists to play their role in addressing the issue and finding the solution to the problems by proper mapping etc.
The Vice Chancellor said that per animal milk production in the county is very low as compared to the developed nations. The issue must be addressed by giving the awareness among the farming community. He also stressed upon the researchers to work for the small farmers comprising 90 percent of the farming community. He said that in Punjab, 55,000 villages are located in which agri experts make visit to provide the solutions of the farmers at their doorstep. He also suggested launching a joint degree programme in disease management with the collaboration of Department of Entomology, Department of Zoology and Department of Parasitology.
FVS Dean Prof Dr Laeeq Akbar Lodhi said that in livestock sector, more than 85 percent of the farmers are small farmer. He said that the volume of production cannot be increased until we facilitate them. He urged the scientists to expedite their efforts for fighting the different diseases such as Congo virus etc.
Department of Parasitology Chairman Prof Dr Zafar Iqbal said that tick infection is one of the major constraints in profitable livestock production. He said that his Department was making all out efforts to overcome the issue in the county.
Assistant Prof Dr Sohail Sajjid said that the event will open up new horizon of progress to think out of the box for the participants and find the solution of tick issue in the animals.