A high-level meeting at the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department reviewed the latest situation of Lumpy Skin Disease across the province and outlined accelerated control measures. The session was chaired by Provincial Minister for Livestock and Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and attended by senior officials including Special Secretary Livestock South Punjab Asad Naeem, Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Usman Tahir, Director General Research, Director General Extension Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, and Director Communication Dr. Haider Ali Khan.
The Director General Research provided a detailed briefing on current Lumpy Skin Disease cases and confirmed that the department is conducting emergency ring vaccination campaigns wherever new cases are reported. Officials emphasized that vaccines remain available and that field teams are mobilized to prevent further spread of the disease.
To limit transmission, the extension directorate reported targeted insecticide spraying at livestock markets and inter-provincial check posts. Farmers are being repeatedly advised to protect animals from mosquitoes and flies, identified as major vectors in the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease, and the communication directorate is running awareness messages to reinforce these precautions.
The department highlighted the usefulness of the ADDRS farmer app for timely reporting of suspected cases. Rapid alerts from the app are enabling field teams to respond quickly, improving containment and allowing faster delivery of relief and support to affected households.
Addressing the meeting, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to stand with farmers and directed officials to intensify vaccination and awareness drives. He instructed that relief be provided promptly in every affected area and that all available resources be deployed to safeguard livestock and livelihoods.
