Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak hits livestock in Punjab villages | The Express Tribune

An outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in animals has gripped several villages in Tehsil Pattoki, leaving livestock farmers in Sarai Mughal, Hanjra Khurd, Kot Shakir Hanjra, and adjoining areas in deep distress.

Dozens of valuable cattle — including milking cows and buffaloes — have been infected, sparking fears of heavy financial losses to local farmers.

According to livestock owners, the disease has spread rapidly over the past few days. Many affected animals have stopped eating, while production of milk has dropped drastically.

Farmers say repeated complaints to the Livestock Department Pattoki have gone unanswered, accusing the department of negligence and failure to provide timely vaccines.

“Our cattle are suffering badly, and we’ve received no help from the department despite multiple requests,” said Abid Hussain Hanjra, a prominent livestock owner and Numberdar of Hanjra Khurd.

“The unavailability of vaccines has worsened the situation to a dangerous level. Last year too, we lost animals worth millions of rupees because of this disease, yet the authorities have not adopted any measures,” he added.

He further stated that field officers from the Livestock Department have not even visited the affected villages. “Farmers are spending from their own pockets to treat their animals, but without vaccines, controlling this epidemic is impossible,” he said, appealing to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Secretary Livestock Punjab to take urgent notice and ensure immediate vaccine supply.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that causes painful sores in the mouth, tongue, and feet of animals, severely reducing their ability to eat and produce milk. Without timely treatment, the disease can be fatal.

When contacted, Deputy Director Livestock Pattoki, Dr Gohar, admitted the shortage of vaccine, saying, “At present, vaccine supply is unavailable. However, as soon as it arrives, vaccination campaigns will be launched in all affected areas.”

Meanwhile, local farmers fear that official inaction could devastate the region’s dairy and meat production. “If the government doesn’t act now, milk and meat shortages could hit the entire district,” one farmer warned.

Livestock experts emphasise that animals must be vaccinated at least twice a year to prevent the spread of disease. Without regular vaccination drives, they caution, the virus could easily spread beyond Kasur district into neighbouring regions.

Farmers have urged the Punjab government to take emergency measures, including the immediate supply of vaccine, deployment of field teams in affected villages, and the announcement of a compensation package for those who have suffered financial losses. “Without government help, many small farmers may not be able to recover from this crisis,” they said.