Support to Increase Sustainable Livestock Production:

Development of Technical Framework for the Progressive Control of Foot & Mouth

Disease in Pakistan

(GCP/PAK/123/USA)

Project Outputs

• Output 1: Capacity to diagnose FMD at disease, serotype and genotype level enhanced at districts, provincial and reference laboratories in Pakistan

• Output 2: Surveillance of and response to FMD outbreaks in the country improved

• Output 3: Benefits of early and consistent immunization practices demonstrated for effective control of FMD

Output 1: Improvement of FMD diagnosisActivity 1: Strengthening of lab capacity for FMD diagnosis

• 7 of 9 intended labs fully functional for undertaking serotyping of FMD (NVL, Peshawar, Lahore, Tandojam, Karachi, Quetta, Gilgit)

• FMD diagnosis and serology being undertaken (serotyping and SP and NSP antibodies) at these labs

• Molecular diagnostics (PCR – conventional and real time 32/79) and virus isolation (69/102) working at NVL

• Remodelled / renovated existing lab to accommodate ELISA diagnostic work at Karachi and Lahore

• Sample collection kits provided to 865 field and lab vets

FMD Diagnostic LabsFMD Diagnostic Labs

Provincial Labs

National Reference Lab

Output 1: Improvement of FMD diagnosisActivity 2: Capacity building of field and laboratory staff

• 37 training workshops for field vets and laboratory vets held at Karachi, Hyderabad , Sukkur, Mirpur Khas, Larkana, Peshawar, Abbotabad, Swat, D.I. Khan, FATA, Gilgit, Quetta, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, D.G. Khan, Bakkar, Sargodha

• 1029 field and laboratory vets trained in collection and despatch of samples from field outbreaks of FMD

• Two persons from each provincial / regional Lab provided extensive training (15 days) in antigen and antibody ELISA for FMD diagnosis

• Two persons from NVL, two scientists from Animal Health Program, NARC and one person from each leading provincial lab staff (all four provinces) provided training at NVL in virus isolation of FMD from field samples by USDA experts from Plum Island Foreign Animal Disease Lab, New York

• Refresher training on ELISA for 9 provincial lab staff from 27-29 /11/ 2012

• Technical back-stopping at provincial ELISA labs being undertaken regularly

Output 1: Improvement of FMD diagnosisActivity 3: Proficiency testing of diagnostic labs

• Two teleconferences held with USDA team on the subject with help from Dr. Jeff Hamer of USDA

• 5 persons trained in a specially designed practical course in Laboratory Quality Management for Pakistan senior lab practitioners from 21 July, 2012 at Ames, Iowa (USDA special funding)

• Contract made with World Reference Lab, Pirbright for proficiency testing of NVL. Samples received in NVL and tested. Results sent to WRL

• Other labs to follow

Output 1: Improvement of FMD diagnosisActivity 4: Development of an harmonized (central and

provincial) Laboratory Information and Management System• Initial discussions for the development of LIMS held with NUST• During Project Coordinator visit to US Animal Health Association in

Buffalo (October, 2011), contacts made with private sector LIMS suppliers and Texas A & M University professionals

• Video conference held with a LIMS supplier from USA. Did not suit our requirements

• USDA provided additional support to FAZD, Texas A & M University for developing LIMS for Pakistan

• Texas A & M scientists visited Pakistan to assess ground situation and start work on LIMS. Three days workshop (7-9 May 2012 ) held with lab workers / directors from federal and provincial / regional governments

• MOU signed between FAZD, Texas A & M University and NUST for development and maintenance of LIMS for veterinary labs in Pakistan

• Project signed LOA with NUST for technical backstopping of LIMS• LIMS expected to be installed and training provided during May-June

2013

Output 2: Improved surveillance and response to FMD outbreaks

Activity 1: Awareness raising of livestock farmers • Awareness material for the farmers including posters (English and

Urdu) and brochure (Urdu) prepared and printed• A small documentary on FMD has been prepared which is being

upgraded• Participated in PVMA International Poultry and Livestock Congress

held at Lahore on 13-14 Mar 2012. Large number of Vets, Paravets and Progressive Farmers visited the stall and inquired about the disease and the project. Also participated in PVMA seminar on FMD in Quetta

• Project presentations (FMD Session) made at International Livestock and Poultry Congress on 14 Mar, 2012 at Lahore

• 67 farmers’ awareness seminars / workshops held involving 2600 livestock keepers

• Participated in a number of TV shows to highlight control of FMD

PVMA ILP Congress, Lahore

Output 2: Improved surveillance and response to FMD outbreaks

Activity 2: Capacity building of field staff and policy makers • USDA scientists from PIFADL, New York and UC, Davis imparted two

days training in Epidemiology to senior provincial veterinarians and scientists of Project and NARC

• Two days training in Bioportal software (for epidemiological studies of livestock diseases like FMD ) given by UC, Davis scientists. National and provincial TAD (Transboundary Animal Diseases) Officers participated

• 37 training workshops for field vets and laboratory vets held; 1029 vets trained in clinical recognition and differential diagnosis of FMD, transmission of disease, movement restriction / segregation of animals as control measure, basic epidemiology, samples collection, storage and shipment, therapeutic remedies and vaccination

• Senior management of livestock departments (Secretaries and DGs) visited Turkey from 23 to 29/9/12 and practically saw FMD control activities under different production systems. Vaccine production Facility was also visited

SAP Visit

Output 2: Improved surveillance and response to FMD outbreaks

Activity 3: Outbreak reporting, epidemiological investigation and submission of samples

Surveillance for FMD

Field Vet(Sample Collection & Treatment kits provided)

Diagnostic Lab TAD Officer

Epidemiology node

Chief Veterinary Officer

Lab Result

FMD Samples Re-filling of Kits

Outbreak Report

Outbre

ak report

&

Lab re

sults

Lab results

Confirm sample receipt

Lab results

Awareness of field staff and dairy farmers Training of veterinary staff

Provision of sample collection and dispatch material

Cover expenditure of sample collection and dispatch

Respond back with outbreak handling Report back to field staff on lab findings

Essentials

FMD Virus Serotypes (Jan - Dec 2012)Province Total FMD

outbreaksOutbreak (#) due to serotype ELISA Neg

OutbreaksO A Asia-I O+ Asia-I

O+A A+Asia-1

Punjab 164 72 19 28 14 2 1 27(+1)

Sindh 686 394 51 97 21 8 4 111

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

120 24 6 15 15 5 - 55

Balochistan 19 7 3 - - 2 - 7

Gilgit-Baltistan

7 - 1 2 - 1 - 3

FATA 4 3 - - - - - 1

AJK 60 22 18 - - 1 - 19

Islamabad 28 11 5 5 - - - 7

Total 1088 533 103 147 50 19 5 230(+1)

FMD Virus Serotypes (Jan - March 2013)Province Total FMD

outbreaksOutbreak (#) due to serotype ELISA Neg

OutbreaksO A Asia-I O+ Asia-I

O+A A+Asia-1

Punjab 53 14 17 10 - 1 - 11

Sindh 371 152 132 28 3 5 2 44(5)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

38 7 5 2 6 8 - 10

Balochistan 5 2 - - - - - 1(2)

Gilgit-Baltistan

- - - - - - - -

FATA 1 - - - - - - 1

AJK 41 1 13 4 - - - 10

Islamabad 3 - - 2 - - - (1)

Total 512 176 167 46 14 9 2 77(21)

District level distribution of FMD outbreaks in Pakistan (2012)

Regional/Provincial Distribution of FMD outbreaks in Pakistan (2012)

Sindh

Monthly Distribution of FMDV Serotypes in Pakistan (2012)

Output 2: Improved surveillance and response to FMD outbreaks

Activity 5: Creation of a rapid response mechanism for FMD outbreaks

• Meeting on development of Standard Operating Procedure for FMD outbreak held on 22-8-2011 at Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. LDDD Punjab Vets, UVAS representative and FVS teachers and clinicians participated

• Trained field veterinary officers (1029) have already started responding to the FMD clinical outbreaks as per SOP prepared by the project management

• Treatment provided to sick animals in all outbreaks• Ring vaccination done in most of the outbreaks• Positive response from the livestock farmers

Output 2: Improved surveillance and response to FMD outbreaks

Activity 6: Creation of a national FMD epidemiology and information system

• A formal request made to the federal government (AHC) on 9 Dec 2011 to establish federal epidemiology node

• A trained epidemiologist nominated by the Ministry of Food Security and Research

• Project to work with the In-charge of the node to equip and facilitate the node

• First two Issues of Quarterly “Pakistan FMD Bulletin” covering January – September, 2012 circulated

Output 2: Improved surveillance and response to FMD outbreaks

Activity 7: Strengthening of FMD monitoring program in Landhi Dairy Colony Karachi

• Two laboratory staff from Landhi cattle colony Diagnostic Lab of the Sindh Government already trained in ELISA

• Vets and Paravets trained in sample collection and outbreak handling

• ELISA lab has been refurbished and formally inaugurated. Equipment for ELISA set up for FMD diagnosis installed. Technical back stopping mission on 7 April, 2012. Fully functional lab now

• Project Field Officer already started work in Landhi cattle colony

• In Karachi alone, 977 outbreaks of FMD have been reported and samples processed

Output 3: Control of FMD through immunization Activity 1: Identification of appropriate vaccine for field use

• Experts Committee meeting of relevant Pakistani scientists held on 25 August, 2011. Animal Husbandry Commissioner chaired the meeting

• Data generated by GTFS project shared with the participants• Vaccine for use in Pakistan recommended to be trivalent having O, A

and Asia-1 serotypes• Sub-serotypes to be included in the appropriate vaccine:– O sub-serotype PanAsia-II– A sub-serotypes Iran05/Tur06– Asia-1 sub-serotype Shamir (higher dose)• Recommendations shared with Dr. Giancarlo Ferrari and Dr. Samia

Metwally at the FAO (HQ) who endorsed the proposal• First Consignment of 60,000 doses was received on 31 Dec 2011, 2 nd

consignment of 200,000 doses arrived on 16 Jan 2012 and 3 rd consignment of 240,000 doses received on 31 Mar 2012

• Vaccine banks functional at Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Gilgit

Output 3: Control of FMD through immunization Activity 2: Strengthening NVL capacity for evaluation of FMD

vaccines

• Equipment and expendables have been identified by local staff and purchased to strengthen lab

• An international expert was recruited to train the NVL and provincial staff for properly analyzing the quality of vaccine. However, he refused to come at the last moment

• Another international expert has been identified. TOR has been finalized and conveyed to him. Sent list of required equipment and reagents.

• Missing items are being purchased.• Training expected in September – October, 2013

Output 3: Control of FMD through immunization Activity 3: Effective vaccination in dairy colony production system

• Dairy colonies where vaccination is being carried out are:– Khalsa area Peshawar dairy colony – Landhi Dairy colony and Nagori Dairy Colony, Karachi – Rakh Chandra Gwala Colony, Lahore – Eastern bypass and Quary Road, Quetta – Livestock farms, Mirpur– Suhan and Tarlai Farms, Islamabad

• Tagging carried out in all vaccinated animals• Primary and booster dose completed• New entrants in the dairy colonies also being tagged and

vaccinated • Regular monitoring (clinical and serological) for FMD

infection

Vaccination in dairy coloniesDairy Colony Farms # Animals #

Khalsa area Peshawar 330 10000

Landhi Cattle colony, Karachi 27 6888

Nagori Farmers Dairy Cooperative Society, Karachi

28 4961

Rakh Chandra Gwala Colony, Lahore 183 7014

Eastern bypass, Quetta 16 3927

Quary Road, Quetta 33 7567

Livestock farms, Mirpur 30 945

Suhan and Tarlai, Islamabad 278 6529

Total 925 47831

Output 3: Control of FMD through immunization Activity 4: Early immunization in rural dairy production system

• Selection of villages for vaccine trial undertaken in consultation with respective livestock departments

• Each livestock department identified 3 areas in their province / region

• Baseline survey for all villages has been completed• Vaccination (primary and booster), Tagging and bleeding

has been undertaken / or is in progress• New enrtants to be vaccinated as per SOP• Regular monitoring (clinical and serological) for FMD

infection being undertaken

Vaccination in Smallholders Rural Production System

District Villages # Farmers # Animals #

Rahim Yar Khan 5 810 7014

Jhang 4 704 4189

Attock 3 910 5000

Nausheroferoz 24 722 3314

Tando Allahyar 12 689 3314

Thatta 8 210 3650

Matiari 5 543 5590

Abbottabad 5 1199 4702

DI Khan 5 618 4990

Nowshera 5 590 4195

Vaccination in Smallholders Rural Production System

District Villages # Farmers # Animals #

Pishin 4 295 3207

Lasbella 4 346 2818

Bolan 6 290 3230

Muzaffarabad 6 2288 3480

Mirpur 14 1002 3451

Rawalakot 11 2768 3874

Ghizer 4 910 7000

Gilgit 4 750 5177

Skardu 4 1012 2928

Mohmand Agency 5 664 3816

Bajur Agency - - -

FR DI Khan - - -

Total 138 17320 84939

FMD Vaccination in Yak• Yak are special to high mountain areas and are

important in livelihood of the communities• Trial started in Ghizer district (9 villages)• Total Yak population of these villages is 3417• Vaccinated group is 2193 while unvaccinated group

is 1224 yaks.• 2396 yaks tagged and 2615 vaccinated (community

enthusiastic)• Blood samples taken from yak for sero-surveillance

(66 out of 136 are positive for FMD-NSP antibodies)• Vaccine response (775 animals bled) and outbreak

data being recorded

Output 3: Control of FMD through immunization Activity 5: Evaluation of FMD vaccination effects on productivity in different dairy production systems

• Preparations being made to do detailed economic analysis of current FMD status in selected dairy colonies and villages

• Livestock economics group from PARC has been engaged, proforma to be used in data collection finalized

• LOA signed with NARC Social Sciences Institute to evaluate pre- and post-project scenario

• Training of surveyors undertaken in January, 2013• Survey being conducted by the field staff