Acknowledgment

I acknowledge and feel honor to be nominated for the conduction of such important assignment by the Director General (Ext) L&DD Punjab Lahore, National Consultant GCP/PAK/088-EC and AHC/National Project Coordinator Islamabad. I am thank full to the Dr. Manzoor Hussain NC, Dr. Muhammad Zulfiqar Policy Consultant for FMD and Dr. Amir bin Saood for their contribution of input/data to start with the assignment. The Director Generals, Directors and TADCO of Punjab, Sindh, Balouchistan, NWFP, AJK and NAs facilitated the assignment activities. For their kindness and cooperation I am highly obliged with thanks. I also thank to Data Managers/Data analysts, PDS Teams and the field veterinary staff for their cooperation and facilitation to complete my assignment in time. For compiling the field data/information in a presentable manner, I acknowledge the suggestions of Dr. Jeff Mariner FAO consultant. Report writing was the difficult phase of this assignment and I consulted literature, abstracts and papers for references, so I submit my heartedly thanks to:

Professor Dr. Athar Khan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences Lahore.

Dr. Muhammad A. Muneer University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences Lahore.

Dr. Muhammad Zulfiqar FMD section Veterinary Research Institute Lahore.

Dr. Qaiser M. Khan NIBGE Faisalabad. Dr. M.A.Arain Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam Sindh Dr. Nazeer Hussain Kalhoro Sindh Agriculture University

Tandojam Sindh

1. Executive Summary:

Since the introduction of concept pertaining to Participatory Approach for Disease Surveillance in Pakistan, valuable data has been collected by the trained PDS Teams working in their allocated Districts of county. These activities are being supported under the GCP/PAK/088-EC project and implemented by Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Pakistan. The veterinary officers nominated by their concerned provincial departments are working in the villages/area after receiving training in exercising the Participatory Epidemiology tools from world known Epidemiologist (FAO consultant) Dr. Jeff Mariner. Participatory (PE) is the application of PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) techniques to obtain accurate information / Data on animal health situation in a particular village/area/community. As the PDS or PE techniques are designed to be adopted for selective or purposive surveillance / assessment, so to generate data on Impact assessment for Foot and Mouth Disease in Pakistan 30 days field work was carried out by the Dr Muhammad Rasheed PDS expert L&DD Punjab Pakistan. On the basis of valuable data collected by the PDS Teams already working in Pakistan, Foot and Mouth Disease is the most prevalent disease. Participatory Disease Surveillance Teams are collecting valuable data/information from Livestock owners, farmers, elders, livestock traders, butchers, siaanas and veterinary practitioners by applying different Epidemiological tools. The significant out come of these activities is prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease in whole country. To evaluate its Impact on social and economic grounds, the PDS expert applied the advance tools/exercises of Participatory Appraisal. To start with assignment, the PDS reports submitted by the teams were consulted to mark the village /area for visit in concern with high risk and low risk area for Foot and Mouth Disease. For the purpose the kind attention of National Consultant for GCP/PAK/088-EC and Policy Consultant for FMD in Pakistan was asked for guidelines. 35 villages were marked for the visit covering whole Pakistan to carry out the activities regarding assignment on Impact assessment for FMD in Pakistan. Meeting with the field veterinary staff and farmers of different area/villages while exercising Participatory Epidemiology tools, the concern regarding the Foot and mouth disease is very high. While conducting semi structured interviews with Key Informants and exercising Impact matrix scoring with proportional piling, the Foot and Mouth disease was most prevalent and causing economic losses to the livestock keeper / farmer. The disease is present in all geographic positions with different traditional names and farmers are treating the disease symptomatically with their own traditional ways /prescriptions. The disease incidences were reported /stated by the farmers in all seasons leading towards social and economic impact. A copy of term of references for the assignment is attached with the report.

2. Introduction:

The Foot & Mouth disease is causing a considerable economic losses to the farmers, even though it is not fatal, but the

symptoms of the disease i.e. salivation due to vesicles in mouth and lameness due to vesicles in feet are causing tension to the farmers. The affected animals become off feed due to the vesicles in the mouth and the milk production drops considerably which effect the rural economy. Participatory Disease Surveillance teams are collecting valuable data of the villages of Punjab from the Livestock owners, farmers, elders, livestock traders, butchers, siaanas and veterinary practitioners by applying different Epidemiological tools. The significant outcome of these activities is prevalence of Foot & Mouth disease in Punjab in sporadic farm. The area covering the all provinces of Pakistan may be categorized in high-risk area and low risk area for the Foot and Mouth disease. These areas indicated in reports of different PDS teams working in their allocated districts. Foot & mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious, economically important viral disease of cloven-footed animals in Pakistan. Although a disease reporting system exists in the country, yet it is unable to provide required information about the prevalence of FMD, existence of different virus serotypes and sources of virus transmission in susceptible population and its socio – economic impact on livestock owners. Recently, Participatory Disease Surveillance, a relatively new concept to collect disease intelligence has been introduced resulting in better understanding of the disease in Pakistan .The relatively fresh data indicates that FMD is prevalent throughout the year with varying intensity in all four provinces including AJK and Northern areas. The disease has been reported in cattle, Buffalo, Sheep and Goat. The information provided in the report describes various low and high risk areas depending upon farmer’s concept and long life experience of dealing with this disease. Ever increasing international trade has greatly enhanced the potential for the spread of FMD, as animals move more frequently over long distances. To effectively control this Transboundry Animal Disease in Pakistan, there is need to develop a National policy. However, all this development should be based upon sound knowledge for which, it is imperative to further improve the disease reporting and information system in the country.

3. Methodology Adopted / Activities Performed

The Participatory Epidemiology is a main tool to observe the disease incidence in a particular area as the Livestock keeper always try to get his sick animal recovered with his own or traditional methods of treatment and the mutual consultation of farmers leads to the symptoms of those diseases which were prevailing in that particular area. PDS expert trained in Participatory Disease Surveillance technique and applications of the tools of Participatory Disease Surveillance to get a valuable

Participatory appraisal carried out the impact assessment for Foot and Mouth Disease.The active participation of local farmers/ livestock owners made the activity more effective and authenticated. To get more and active participation the meeting time and place was the main consideration of the PDS expert. In every village / area the Participatory Epidemiology tools were applied with flexible manner according to the local situation so that the correct information/ data could be collected/ complied. Following main activities were performed in the targeted villages / area.

Meeting with National Consultant GCP/PAK-088-EU Meeting with the policy consultant on FMD Identification of targeted Villages/area from the reports

of PDS Teams Plan to move in the villages/area Mapping of country for high and low risk area for Foot

and Mouth Disease Contacting with the policy makers, Data managers, office

and field veterinary staff Conduction of farmers meetings for Participatory

Epidemiology Proportional piling for prevalence and importance of

existing livestock diseases in the area. Participatory mapping by the farmers of the area. Seasonal incidences of different livestock diseases Interviewing the Key Informants Visiting the local cattle markets Visiting the commercial Dairy farms Visiting the cattle colonies

4. Main Activities performed 4.1 Mapping of the village /area

Geographic positionPondGrazing areaCanal sideForest sideRiver sideLivestock market area

4.2 Seasonal CalendarTraditional names of diseasesOn set of different livestock diseaseOut breaks of contagious diseasesOut breaks of FMD in particular

4.3 Potential risk periodCalvingStressFodder scarcityMovement

Hot and dry weather4.4 Impact matrix scoring and proportional pilling

Livestock > Livelihood Large animals Small ruminants Benefits Commercial Subsistence Social Environmental Disease Prevalence and importance Contagious and non contagious TAD and FMD in particular

4.5 Disease incidence reportedDiseasesMorbidity %Mortality %Month / seasonHerds or No of Animal effected

4.6 Selection of villages /area for sero surveillance High risk area 10-12 in all provincesLow risk area 10-12 in all provinces

5. Observations and Recommendations:The Impact Assessment for Foot and Mouth Disease in Pakistan was carried out as a assignment by exercising the Participatory Epidemiological tools such as semi structured interviews of Key Informants, conducting farmer’s meeting, matrix scoring by proportional piling, exercise of participatory mapping and making seasonal calendar of livestock diseases by the farmers of area/village in one month period. The area under assignment covered whole country selected on high risk and low risk for the incidences of Foot and Mouth Disease. PDS expert observed the following factor involving in the spread of disease and recommend prompt measures to control its wide distribution/ incidences in the country considering its socio economic impact on farmer’s livelihood as well as for National Economy.

5.1 Food Security:The daily consumption of meat and on the occasion of “EID

QURBAN” is quite alarming to think and act to keep the animal health free from the contagious diseases. Further more, it is quite evident that the livestock population in the industrialized countries is already saturated and demand of animal protein for human being is increasing considerably. The increased demand will have to be met by the developing countries. In this regards PDS expert recommend to establish a FMD center in Pakistan,

which should be able to study and adopt the diagnosis, control measures by producing strong, potent vaccine based on prevalent virus strains.

5.2 Disease Prevalence and importance: Foot and Mouth Disease is the most prevalent disease in the

country covering whole area. The farmer’s consideration regarding the importance of the disease varies according husbandry practices and farming systems. It is quite evident that Foot and mouth Disease is a on ground reality and it should be controlled with constant and hectic efforts. A regular independent set up should be established to adopt measures for the control and ultimately eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease from Pakistan with National Spirit.

5.3 Existing Farming System:In the exercises of Participatory Rural Appraisal, different animal

husbandry practices and farming system were observed. The farmers usually keep cattle, buffalos, sheep, goats and some times birds at one place making the mix type farming. Such type of livestock owners are keeping livestock/animals for their prestige, honor and earning. Majority of farmers are keeping 2-5 animals with out any formal husbandry practices. Near the big cities there are commercial farms and cattle colonies where milking buffalos and cows are kept for supplying milk in the cities. These are also unscientifically managed with overcrowding. The traveling farmers (Nomads) are moving with their livestock and small ruminants in search of green pasture/grazing area especially in Balouchistan and NWFP. Illegal movement across the international border and migratory farming within the provinces are working as husbandry practice. Government livestock farms are working in the country as research and experiment station with out any positive impact on the farmer’s way of animal husbandry. PDS expert have the view of recommendation regarding the establishment of model smallholder farming system by applying the research techniques of institutes and universities.

5.4 Animal Movement:During the assignment PDS expert observed that there is no

restriction on movement of animals in any direction in the country. Mainly milking animals (Buffalo and cows) are being transported from one district to other or one province to other province. These animals are being transported by big trucks / vans with out any prophylactic measures and being place/move to next destination with out adopting proper quarantine measures. It is recommended that the animals should be transported through special trucks/vans with a certificate of vaccination against livestock contagious diseases. Check points at cattle markets and at the entry of district or province could be established for the purpose. Some more points regarding the movement of animals in context with the contagious diseases was observed during the study like,

5.4.1 Nomadic Animals: They carry the virus of contagious disease from one place to other area and cause dissemination of the Foot and Mouth disease virus.

5.4.2 Infected Animal: The animal infected with Foot and Mouth Disease is grazing in the pasture or drinking water from the river, canal or water channel, thus spreading the disease virus in vast area.

5.4.3 Disposal of Dead Animals: The dead animals are not being disposed off properly causing pollutions threatening for healthy animals and for human beings of that particular area/village.

5.4.4 Birds and other animals: The birds are also playing role in spreading the disease virus from one place to other. The common crow eats the meat of dead animal and some time holds the pieces to carry, making the disease to spread on other farm. The dogs and cats are doing the same carrying bones and other pieces of carcasses.

5.4.5 Fair Shows and Melas: At the occasion of animal fairs and melas held at district or national level, the animals from different area./ Farms are gathering at one place/ground maximizing the risk of spreading the contagious disease.

5.4.6 Wild Animals: Some wild animals like wild pig is susceptible for Foot and Mouth Disease virus and its movement in the area near river or canal could be a cause of spreading the disease in contacting domestic livestock especially border area of Pakistan.

5.4.7 Moon soon rains and flood: The virus of contagious diseases can travel through rain water or flood from one place to other place and dead animals not disposed off properly and mixed with the rain or flood water could be a source of spreading the infection.

5.5 Clinical Diagnosis and Reporting: The major bovine population is in Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan and so the disease incidences are more in these parts of country. The field veterinary staff is applying his practical knowledge for the diagnosis of different livestock diseases and treating the sick animals on symptomatic grounds. In the process of diagnosis of any livestock disease, the livestock owner/farmers are helping the veterinary practitioner as the farmer is having the indigenous knowledge regarding the names and treatment. Foot and Mouth Disease having its socio-economic importance is a most considerable disease for the farmer and demand early diagnosis and recovery of sick animals. PDS expert recommend

the refresher courses of 2-3 days at institution level for field veterinary staff on early response for disease diagnosis and disease reporting. 5.6 Disease Surveillance and Lab Diagnosis:The Participatory Epidemiology demands the regular surveillance of livestock diseases by applying tools with Participatory Approach. Purposively active disease surveillance on regular basis by the trained staff equipped with sample collecting material should be deputed in the high risk area. The said staff should work in the field with a mandate of diagnosis on clinical basis, Disease reporting, sample collection, preserving and submitting to the concerned laboratory. 5.7 Vaccination and post vaccination Monitoring: The farmer of the country is trying to keep his animal health free from the contagious diseases but for the purpose he is always dependent on the livestock department. The use of different vaccines against contagious livestock diseases is increasing but FMDV have the negative impact reason being its efficacy or poor quality. It was observed by the expert that the necessary cool chain is not available in the field to keep the efficacy / quality of vaccine in line. In some area the progressive farmers are using the imported vaccine with confidence of saving their animals against Foot and Mouth Disease. In this context the expert is recommending field trials to ensure the quality of vaccine and targeted vaccination in the high risk area e.g cattle markets, herds of exotic cross cattle, herds of elite milk animals and near the international border. Post vaccination monitoring with active disease surveillance should be carried out on regular basis. 5.8 Treatment Services: In all area /villages of country the farmers are getting first hand treatment form the self-experienced / traditional prescription or from Siannas of their village. In some cases the religious personality (Peers) and veterinary practitioners including private and government field veterinary staff is extending treatment services on the basis of symptoms or clinical diagnosis. Expert observed the mushroom growth of veterinary clinics in the country with a concern of quaquary and mal practice for earning. The qualified veterinary practitioner under proper registration with livestock department should legally manage the private veterinary clinics. Different categories of veterinary practitioners are working in the area for the treatment of sick animals. Most of the practitioners are administering medicines from their own bag and charging price of medicines including fee.5.8.1 Qualified Veterinary Officer (In Service)

Veterinary Officer (Retired)Veterinary Assistant (In Service)Veterinary Assistant (Retired)

5.8.2 Semi Qualified A.I Technician

Veterinary Village Workers of livestock department,Milk collection companies andRural Support Programs

5.8.3 Non-Qualified SianasPeerEmployees of Veterinary InstitutionsSchool TeachersDhodhies (Milk Man)Livestock Traders

5.9 Livestock production and Extension Services: During the assignment of Impact assessment for Foot and Mouth Disease, it was observed that the farmers are keener to get high milk and meat production. The existing livestock services are not providing the aware ness regarding the new techniques of animal husbandry. Even on the occurrence of incidence of any contagious disease, he is help less and waits for services from the livestock department. The incidences of Foot and Mouth Disease are normally treated with traditional ways of treatment, bearing the economic loss due to the reduced milk production, poor growth and calves mortality. The field veterinarian are extending their services mainly for the treatment of sick animals but it is need for the farmer and even its need of the time to establish a close contact between farmer and field veterinary staff by offering extension services with Participatory Approach for health and better production of livestock. 5.10 Aware ness campaign through Media:As the disease is having international importance for food security point of view, aware ness campaign should be launched for farmers, livestock keepers and field veterinary practitioners for early reporting of disease and ultimately control measures.

6. Status of Foot and Mouth Disease in PakistanIn the study it was observed that the farmers are very aware about the incidences of this particular disease. The PDS data showed the following graph for the prevalence and importance of Foot and Mouth Disease in six regions of Pakistan

7. Results of Participatory Disease Surveillance tools: Activities related to disease ranking with Proportional Piling done by the farmers has shown that Foot and Mouth disease is most prevalent disease in all area of Country. For the purpose 50 countable things like beans, stones or seeds were used to score the prevalence and importance of different livestock diseases. Following tables are showing the results of proportional piling related to Foot and Mouth disease.7.1 Foot and Mouth Disease in Punjab

District Meetings (50 beans per meeting) Prevalence Importance%Okara6934501069313139.07M.B.Din43215046815.842214.3Pakpattan49245073530

No X 50 No

No X 50 No % NO %

Hyderabad 47 2350 862 36.6 402 17.1Dadou 44 2200 738 33.5 352 16Sanghur 47 2350 782 33.2 351 14.9Tharparkar 21 1050 334 31.8 148 14Mir Pur khas 61 3050 964 31.6 549 18Thatha 70 3500 1001 28.6 591 16.8Badin 50 2500 618 24.7 380 15.2Ghotki 19 950 203 21.3 162 17Noshera Feroz 47 2350 473 20.1 402 17Larkana 64 3200 621 19.4 554 17.3Nawab Shah 48 2400 460 19.1 385 16Shikarpur 29 1450 266 18.3 243 16.7Karachi 128 6400 1165 18.2 1338 20.9Sukhur 25 1250 218 17.4 181 14.4Jacobabad 52 2600 552 15.8 299 11.5Total 752 37600 9257 24.6 6337 16.8

8. Use of Different PE tools for the Impact Assessment of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Keeping in consideration that assignment should cover all the possible aspect to determine the impact of Foot and Mouth Disease of the social and economic life of farmer/livestock keeper, different Participatory Disease Surveillance tools were applied.

8.1 Farmers Meetings: Foot and Mouth Disease was the concern of PDS expert so the farmers meeting conducted for the purpose were mainly on contagious livestock diseases. The farmers were encouraged to elaborate their indigenous knowledge regarding all diseases of area. They were asked to confirm the symptoms of livestock diseases especial Foot and mouth disease with the help of disease symptoms pictures and diagrams.

8.2 Participatory Mapping: To confirm the incidences of Foot and Mouth Diseases in the area and its transmission, the Participatory mapping were conducted by the farmers. The near by cattle market and common water pond was the main source of infection for Foot and Mouth Disease. In this exercise other factors like nearby canal, river and forest were also high lighted by the farmers. These factors are encouraging the Foot and Mouth Disease virus to spread in the area.

8.3 Seasonal Pattern of Foot and Mouth Disease. The Participatory Disease Surveillance activities / tools are quite interesting for the farmers of the village/area. While contacting with them for PDS activities or asssignment in the whole country, asking for the onset of different livestock diseases in different seasons of the year the farmers made the farmers more cooperative. Seasonal calendar of different livestock diseases, which are prevailing in their villages/area was made by the participants of meeting showing afoot and Mouth disease mostly in all seasons.

Province Main months/Season of Foot and Mouth Disease

Punjab February, March, April, September October, November

Sindh February, March, April, July, September October, November

NWFP March, April, September October,

Balouchistan March, April, October, November

AJK March, April, September

October, NovemberNorthern Areas April, September October,

November

8.4 Impact matrix scoring:

The economic impact was asked and exercised with the help of beans and some time with the small stones. The foot and mouth Disease was the disease of concern for Impact scoring, so disease losses were discussed and the farmers made ranking for them. Their livelihood and how the Foot and Mouth Disease effect on they livelihood was scored while considering benefits and potential factors of livestock. It was the main result that the Foot and Mouth Disease is affecting their social and economic life seriously.

9.

(Farmers Point of View)

During the assignment for the Impact assessment of Foot and Mouth Disease, the meetings with the technical staff as well as with livestock keepers/farmers were conducted. The Foot and Mouth Disease is not causing mortality up to the considerable grade but the livestock holder/farmer is directly affected due to the FMD economic losses. To assess the perception of the farmer for Foot and Mouth Disease, different exercises and interviews with open ended questions

were conducted at their door step. As the assignment was carried out in all 4 provinces including Azad Jammu Kashmir, Northern Area and Islamabad Capital Territory, the livestock keeper of whole country has the clear concept regarding Foot and Mouth Disease and its effects on livestock. 9.1 History of Disease:

According to the indigenous knowledge of the farmers the disease is present since centuries but the intensity and symptoms are changing the shape of disease every year.

9.2 Species: farmers are in view of that the local breeds of Pakistan especially Sahiwal cow and Cholistani cow are not getting the showing the sever symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease. With the introduction of exotic breeds and crossbred cows the disease has got the boost since last 5 years. Sheep are seldom but goats are very susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease.

9.3 Age: The young calves are more susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease up to 1 year of age. Young one of goats showed serious complications with death and same as in cow calves of 5-6 months the mortality is nearly 10 %.

9.4 Sex: Male and female both are showing the disease symptoms but due to mal feeding, the young male calves are more susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease.

9.5 Names: The farmers of Pakistan are well aware about the Disease symptoms and in all areas the disease is being named / recognized with its typical signs and symptoms i.e vesicles in the mouth and feet. Punjab Sindh Balouchista

nNWFP AJK ICT NAs

Monh KhurMoharaRooraWaba

Mon KhurSamaraMohara

Mon KhurKhurabCharo

TabaqKhurab

Mo Khur

Monh KhurFMD

Mo Khur

9.6 Reasons: The reasons of the disease and onset of the typical FMD symptoms were main consideration during the assignment. The farmers of whole country are not clear about its reasons or causes but the diseases

transmission / spread is well known by the livestock keepers. The common concept regarding the spread of the disease is, due to the internal body heat and polluted air having so called Waba. 9.7 Season: The farmers of the whole country are agreed on that since last 5-8 years the animals are showing the symptoms of the disease whole the year. Prior to seventies, the disease used to be seasonal particularly during wheat harvesting or during the change of weather in March April and September October. 9.8 Symptoms:Farmers / livestock holders of country are well aware about the typical symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease. They observe the animals showing lame ness and off feed at first and then salivation starts with froth and sound. Some adult buffalos s are showing only lame ness for few days. The main symptoms of FMD described by the farmers and Key Informants of area during the assignment on Impact Assessment for Foot and mouth Disease were

off feed Rise in body temperature salivation vesicles in the mouth Lame ness Vesicles on the teats Vesicles on the feet Decrease in body weight The milk production of lactating animals dropped. The

disease remained present in the herd /village for 20-25 days and then recovery starts and in some cases the vesicles on feet becomes maggots wound which takes months to heal.

9.9 Traditional Treatment:The farmers of country are using different ways to treat their FMD affected animals like:

9.9.1 Dum from peers (religiously respected personality ): it’s a favorite tradition to get recover sick animal by calling peer in the village. The Peer use different ways to “DUM” the sick animals as well as to the healthy animals of that particular village. Such Peers are also advising and performing KARA by collecting all the animals of village at one place over demarked ground. In some area individual farmers are calling Peer for their animals and getting “DUM”

9.9.2 With human used food: the farmers are using different traditional prescriptions of human used food to get recovery of their FMD affected animal by giving hot “Roti”

(bread) mixed with oil or Desi Ghee, Brown Sugar drink, Raw butter and butter milk.

9.9.3 Traditional prescriptions/practices: Some farmers are using traditional prescriptions /methods for the treatment of Foot and Mouth Disease affected animal by applying boiled water having fish residues, boiled water with KEEKAR tree skin, Water of HOOQA in the mouth and on the feet. Some other interesting practices were also observed like.

9.9.4 Hot sand walk: the FMD affected animal is forced to walk on the hot sand or hot ground to get early ruptures of the vesicles.

9.9.5 Color on the fore head : The affected as well as the healthy animals are being colored with orange or red on the fore head with believe of saving their lives against any contagious disease.

9.9.6 Parade with beating empty drums : The young farmers of village parade in the streets till the end of village with beating empty drums producing noise and shouting for the disease to get out from the village.

9.9.7 Cloth soaked with blood on Eid Qurban: In some area the farmers are keeping cloth soaked with blood of that animal which is being slaughtered on the occasion of holy day of Eid Qurban. The blood soaked cloth after making wet is being applied on the feet and mouth of FMD affected animal with believe of recovery from the vesicles.

9.9.8 Camel hairs and bones : some farmers have the believe that the camel can prevent the onset of Foot and Mouth disease in the herd, so they are using camel hair and bones to hang in the sheds.

9.9.9 Dead crow : In some area the farmers are quite aware about the spreading of the disease, so they are hangingdead crow to keep away the other birds or crows to save their animals from contagious diseases or vectors.

9.9.10 Monkey as a pet : Some farmers are keeping monkey, as a pet with believes that with the presence of monkey in the sheds, no contagious disease especially Foot and Mouth Disease can enter in the herd.

9.10 Vaccination Status

9.10.1 In some area the progressive farmers got their animals vaccinated with FMD vaccine but according to their statement the incidence of disease was noticed even the herd was vaccinated against Foot and Mouth disease but in very mild and sporadic form.

9.10.2 The disease prevalence was very high in the area where the vaccination against FMD was not performed.

9.10.3 In some area the farmers are vaccinating their animal with imported vaccine against FMD to cover against more strains of virus.

9.10.4 In some area the farmers showed no interest for the vaccination against FMD; reason being it is costly to them and FMD is causing no mortality in the herd. Such behavior of the farmers contributes towards high morbidity of FMD in the area.

9.10.5 In some area the cause of high morbidity of FMD is non-availability of veterinary field staff with complete vaccination schedule / campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease. Further more the farmers did not bother to report the incidence of disease to their local veterinary staff.

9.11 Farmers Suggestions

9.11.1 The Foot and Mouth Disease is prevalent disease in the country since centuries but from last 4 - 5 years its intensity and symptoms are causing considerable social and economic losses. In this regards the campaign may be launched through field veterinary staff in the villages especially in high-risk area for the control and eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease.

9.11.2 The farmers / livestock holders of the country may be

approached through field veterinary staff for aware ness regarding prophylactic measures against contagious diseases on regular basis.

9.11.3 The farmers claimed that the spreading of Foot and Mouth disease is primarily from the cattle markets and sold sick animals being transported form one market to other market or area are causing incidences in all areas. The animals may be marketed with proper vaccination certificates from the livestock department.

9.11.4 The animals are not getting balanced feed / fodder causing low vitality in the body leading towards exposure of contagious diseases. New animal

husbandry techniques / practices may be introduced by the extension staff of livestock department.

9.11.5 The presence of internal worms in the animals is also affecting the general condition of body making more prone to bacterial and viral diseases. The cattle population may be dewormed with appropriate anthelmantic on vast scale with out charges.

9.11.6 The availability and proper storage of Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine and serum may be ensured in the field veterinary institutions to overcome the economic loss due to FMD well in time. The livestock department with out any charges in general and against FMD in particular may lunch a mass vaccination program against all contagious disease.

9.11.7 In the country the ratio of field veterinary staff against livestock population is considerably low, one veterinary officer or veterinary Assistant is working for more animals than his capacity, which is not practicable. Considering the efficiency of the field staff and infrastructure of the area it is needed that field veterinary officers / veterinary assistants strength may be adjusted according the work able capacity of individual.

10. Social Impact of Foot and Mouth Disease:

The impact assessment for Foot and Mouth Disease in Pakistan was conducted under the GCP/PAK/088-EC project with the objective to get exact situation of Foot and Mouth disease in Pakistan, so that the information could be used for the formulation of National Policy to control Foot and Mouth Disease in Pakistan and as well as in the region. As the Participatory Epidemiology tools mainly cover the human behavior of farmer or respondent, the expert exercised the different Participatory Diseases Surveillance tools with direct contact during meetings and semi structured interviews. All the livestock diseases have the direct impact on the life of farmer affecting his social and economic life. While assessing the social impact of Foot and Mouth Disease, following factors were observed.

10.1 Common Disease : The high prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease in the country made a common factor for every type of farmer, which leads towards to contribute some efforts for the control of disease by organizing them self in association.

Haji Abdul Jabbar President Balouchistan Dairy Association and Mr. Altaf Hussain Gujjar General Secretary Balouchistan Dairy Association is running dairy farm business in Queetta Balouchistan. There are more than 45 member of this association and all are well aware about the affect of Foot and Mouth disease. According to the statement of Haji Abdul Jabbar, the Foot and Mouth Disease is acting as a binder for the member because they all are using imported vaccine against Foot and mouth Disease. The exotic cross of cattle is more prone to Foot and Mouth Disease and association is facilitating its members to get vaccination at proper interval. Mr. Altaf Hussain Gujjar claimed that with the use of imported vaccine since last 2 years. Their livestock is safe from Foot and Mouth Disease.

10.2 Change in attitude and Behavior:

As in Foot and Mouth Disease the morbidity is very high making the farmer busy in control and treatment of sick animals. Due to the over workload the normal behavior of farmer and his daily routine is changed towards tension, conflict and complaint.

10.3 Hesitation in direct Contact : The Foot and Mouth disease also spread through the direct contact of men with animals and animal to animal at common grazing places/area or at common water ponds. At the time of incidences of Disease, the direct contact of herd men with other farms are creating conflict among the farmers.10.4 Human Health Problem: It is not established that Foot and Mouth Disease has any direct affect on human being but in interior Sindh and in some parts of Punjab complications has been observed. The vesicles on the teats are affecting the hands of milker thus creating social as well as health problems for family and others.10.5 Political Problems : Foot and Mouth Disease have strong impact socially and economically for whole world. The incidences of Foot and Mouth Disease are affecting the whole population of country organizing them selves for the early control. The disease can convert / change the whole schedule of political structure in the country.10.6 Departmental Influences: The farmers are dependent on the field veterinary staff for the vaccination schedule and prophylactic measures. The incidences of Foot and Mouth Disease in any area may cause problems for the concerned field veterinary staff. In this particular situation the farmer’s association, committees or farmers communities are approaching to the higher ups of livestock department for early control and recovery of their sick animals. The visits of high-ranking officer or monitoring teams are usually creating hardships for field veterinary staff. Un due enquiries and investigation usually over shadow the actual situation of disease. 11. Economic Impact of Foot and Mouth Disease:

As The reports from the PDS teams working in the different area of Pakistan showed that the Foot and Mouth Disease is economically the most important and first ranking diseases (prevalence wise) in cattle and buffalo population in the country. So far the attempts that have been made to control FMD in Pakistan are not successful reason being that the farmers are not considering the actual economic loss due to the Foot and Mouth disease. In Pakistan, numerous natural as well as political and socio-economic problems make the control of FMD very difficult. Following are the different risk factors influencing the impact of Foot and Mouth Disease in Pakistan.

11.1 Risk Factors: 11.1.1 Area: The epidemics of the Foot and Mouth Disease

have been observed in every area but it is more prevalent in plain area and grazing area of mountains.

11.1.2 Farming System: As the disease also spread with contact of animal to animal and men to animal so the incidence of disease is less in controlled farms. In Pakistan the normal herd size is 2-5 animals, which are being kept by a farmer family with out adopting any control measures, thus causing high incidences of Foot and mouth Disease.

11.1.3 Species: As the clover feet species are prone to the Foot and Mouth Disease virus and the disease is more prevalent in Buffalos, Cows, Sheep and goats. Since last 5 -8 years the whole structure of the disease has been changed due to the induction of crossbred animals in local cattle population. The crossbred animals are more susceptible to the Foot and Mouth disease virus and are affected severally transmitting the disease to the other contacting livestock. Adult Sahiwal breed cow and Nili Ravi buffalo are showing mild symptoms with early recovery.

11.1.4 Season: The symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease were seen mostly in February to April and September to November. In the Impact Assessment assignment and Participatory Disease Surveillance activities, it was observed that the farmers are claiming the onset of disease symptoms in every season but it is more severe in February March and in the cool humid weather.

11.1.5 Feed: It has been observed that the vitality of the livestock was dropped due to the non-availability of balanced feed and fodder causing stress for the animal. The fodder scarcity period and un balanced ration are also risk factor for Foot and Mouth Disease.

11.1.6 Occasions: The holy day of “EID QURBAN” is the occasion as a risk factor for the spread of Foot and Mouth disease in the country. The movement of small ruminants as well as the adult cattle make easy for the Foot and Mouth Disease virus to travel thousands Kilo

Meter across the country. Secondly there are many cattle fairs/ shows and milk competitions at different places of country and best animals of the area are participating in those events. The huge gathering of animals of different species at one place is also a risk factor for the spread of Foot and Mouth disease in the country.

11.1.7 Cattle Markets: the trading of the animals is mainly based on the livestock present in the interior part of each province. The local trader is purchasing the animal from the village or from the small-scale cattle market at town or Tehsil level. The purchased animal is then brought to cattle market at district or province level for sale. With this procedure the buffalo from the interior village of district Sahiwal could reach to Karachi. The animal movement from cattle markets to other cities or provinces may cause the incidences of Foot and Mouth Disease.

11.1.8 Animal Movement:11.1.8 (a) Across the border: It is well-established risk factor for the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease that the movement of animals across the border of India and Afghanistan may cause disease in the area.

11.1.8 (b) Across the provinces: The movement of animals across the provinces in response to the fodder availability and season’s threats is common in Province Sindh and Balouchistan. The same practice has been observed in Punjab NWFP and Azad Kashmir. Such type of movement is also causing incidences of Foot and Mouth Disease in the country. 11.1.8 (c)Across the Districts: The moving farmer’s families (Sahou, Jangly) are keeping their animals according to the availability of fodder in the area. For the purpose they are residing in or near the agriculture area to feed their animal with the waste of available crops. Normally they are spending 3-4 month at one place, so the incidences of Foot and Mouth disease may travel with them to next destination with in or out side district.

11.1.9 International Trade:The trade between the countries is an encouraging factor for development. For Pakistan trade of animal and animal bye products is a source of earning foreign exchange and according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan report 2003, Pakistan is earning 53 million Rupees (annually) by exporting animals and animal’s bye products. At the same time exotic animals and semen has been imported to cross the

local breeds of cows for better production. Such activities may cause the incidences of Foot and Mouth Disease in country if quarantine measure were not properly observed.

11.2 Factors Affecting Economic Impact:11.2.1 Morbidity and Mortality. Foot and Mouth disease in Pakistan is not causing heavy mortality in local breeds. The young stock under 1 year of age is showing sever symptoms and 10 % mortality has been recorded at farmer level. The exotic breed of cows (Friesian) in Pakistan has shown typical sever symptoms with death.

11.2.2 Loss in milk production: The sudden drop in milk production in milking cows and buffalos is causing economic loss to the farmers. It was claimed by the farmers/respondents during the study that Foot and Mouth Disease is causing 60-80 % drop in daily milk production for at least 10-15 days or till recovery. Karachi is a metropolitan city of Pakistan having 160 millions human population. Nearly.09 millions cattle are being kept in the Dairy colonies of Karachi. 5% cross breeding cows and 25%recycling cattle are being tamed here and 5 to 6 million liters fresh milk are being purveyed to quench the daily demand of Karachi.Landhi cattle colony one of the biggest cattle colony in the world rearing about 3 lacs cattle and producing milk and meat to meet the local demand. It has been observed that:

11.2.2.1 FMD causing 20% production loss in milk and meat all over the country.

11.2.2.2 Increase of morbidity heavy losses is incurred for their protection and health care.

11.2.2.3 Heavy mortality has been found in cross breeding cows and their calves.

11.2.2.4 Abortions have been depicted in large numbers.

Result of the study made by the Dr Professor Athar khan in 12 villages of chichawatni District Sahiwal

As a result the morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates in cattle were 53.20%, 15.25%, and 28.65% respectively. In young cattle, morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates were high i.e., 56.67%, 22.90%, and 40.55% as compared to adult cattle where it was 51.64%, 11.57% and 22.40% respectively.

In buffalo population morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates were 61.69%, 20.80%, and 33.72% respectively. Similarly the pattern of cattle morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates was same as in young buffalo calves were high i.e., 65.82%, 30.77%,

and 46.75% as compared to adult buffalo where it was 59.46%, 15.40% and 25.90%

respectively. The clinical picture in young buffalo and cattle calves of both species

were relatively more severe as compared to the adult animals.

11.2.2.5 It has serious effect on recycling of both buffalos and cows.

11.2.3 Abortions and effect on recycling: One of the major complications of Foot and mouth disease is abortion or pre mature calving has been observed. The farmer’s community considers the abortion as a complication due to the internal heat of animal. The incidences of abortions due to the Foot and Mouth Disease are not so common in the local breeds of cows and buffalos but more in exotic cross cows. The adult or pregnant cows with the symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease may suffer with abnormal cycling or other genital diseases due to the abortion. The actual loss due to the abortion could be calculated according to the animal husbandry practices. 11.2.4 General Health: The vesicles in the mouth and on the feet with high temperature make the affected animal off feed and week. 10-15 days of disease has impact on the body weight with 20% reduction. 11.2.5 Cost of treatment: Framers are treating their animals with their traditional ways and prescriptions but the period of recovery depends upon the severity of the symptoms. The use of FMD serum at early stage is giving better results but due to non availability, expensive and storage requirements, the farmers are not using the serum. The veterinary services by the field staff are mainly treating such cases with anti biotic for secondary infections. According to the farmers interviewed for the purpose, the average cost for the treatment of adult animal is Rupees 1000/- and Rupees 500/- for young stock.11.2.6 Cost on extra labor: Foot and Mouth Disease is the most prevalent disease with tendency to spread and remain for longer period. According to the statements of farmers, disease remains in an average size of herd (20-25) for at least one month. The over workload is shared by the extra labor costing Rupees 3000/- per month.11.2.7 Distress sale: small ruminants (Sheep and Goats) are also susceptible for Foot and Mouth Disease Virus and disease severity especially in the days of “EID QURBAN” forced to sell the sick animals even on lower price. During the interviews with the farmers it was observed that the affected animals are being sold at 20-40 % less from the actual market price.

12. Economic losses due to Foot and Mouth Disease.

The risk and direct factor influencing of the economic impact of Foot and Mouth disease have the worth to calculate. According to a study conducted by Professor Dr. Athar Khan of UVAS Lahore, the Foot and Mouth disease is 2nd in number as far as the economical loss is concerned and is estimated to rupees 5,66,450/-

per 1000 healthy buffaloes which is about 18% of the total economical losses.Among buffalo diseases, the incidence based Ranking Order of FMD has a highest incidence rate i.e., 57 per 1000 healthy buffaloes at risk. This data was derived from the active surveillance where 5318 buffaloes were affected due to FMD from the total population of 93504 heads buffaloes at risk. As far as production losses are concerned FMD is 2nd in the Ranking Order of all the important infectious and non-infectious spectrum of diseases of buffaloes causing as an average a significant loss of Rs. 566,450 per 1000 healthy buffaloes at risk.

ECONOMIC LOSSES IN AN AVERAGE SMALL HOLDING (5 animals)

2 ADULT BUFFALOS 1 HIEFER (ADULT)

1 CALF OF 9 MONTH1 CALF OF 3 MONTH

The reference prices (approximate) are given in the Table Young Male Female

Adult

Male Female

Buffalo Dead @ Rs.4000/- @ Rs. 7000/- @ Rs.18000/- @ Rs.28000/-

Cattle Dead @ Rs. 4000/- @ Rs. 6500/- @ Rs. 16000/- @ Rs.24000/-

Diseases Mortality Charges

Morbidity Treatment Charges

Total Rs.

Productive Losses *

Reproductive Losses **

F.M.D 4,000/- 6000/- 1,500 5000/- 16500/-

*The prices are given below according to the affect of disease on productive or reproductive bases and are lowest.

1. Milk rate/liter @ Rs. 20/- = Rs. 2000/- 2. Work loss could not be calculated because ploughing is done

with tractors and electric tube wells have replaced the classical bullock driven wells.

3. Loss of calves (fetus) due to abortion = Rs. 1500/-4. Veterinary services charges included.

(i) Visit for doctor = Rs. 1000/-(ii) Drugs for F.M.D = Rs. 2000/-(iii) Drugs for abortion = Rs. 1000/-(iv) Drugs for mastitis = Rs. 1000/-

5. Distress sale loss for a young heifer = Rs. 4000/-

6. Dead calf = Rs 4000/-The approximate economical losses due to F.M.D. had been calculated from the Table above.

* Milk losses + Weight loss + work loss + distress sale** Abortion + Infertility + other reproductive disorders. (Losses)

Actual approximate worth of economic losses due to Foot and Mouth Disease in Pakistan under existing farming systems are shown below.

At small holder level (2-5) = Rs 16500/- At farm level (20-25) = Rs 35000/- At large scale farm level (50-100) = Rs 75000/- Village level = Rs 500000/-And so on the economic loss can be calculated at Tehsil level and at District level having the villages or livestock population. As per estimation for one million of FMD susceptible livestock population, the approximately economic loss is 50,00,00,000 (five cror or 500 million Rupees). The same figures could be adjusted for Province and National level.

Looking and moving forward for the control of Foot and Mouth Disease in Pakistan:

For more detail:Dr Muhammad RasheedPDS Expert L&DDPunjab Pakistan

Vdrpk2005@hotmail.com 040-49503050300-6905109