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 position
Pond
Grazing area
Canal side
Forest side
River side
Livestock market area
4.2 Seasonal Calendar
Traditional names of diseases
 On set of different livestock disease
Out breaks of contagious diseases
Out breaks of FMD in particular
4.3 Potential risk period
Calving
Stress
Fodder scarcity
Movement
Hot and dry weather
4.4 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 reported
Diseases
Morbidity %
Mortality %
Month / season
Herds or No of Animal effected
4.6 Selection of villages /area for sero surveillance
High risk area 10-12 in all provinces
Low 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 and
Rural Support Programs

5.8.3 Non-Qualified Sianas

Peer
Employees of Veterinary
Institutions
School Teachers
Dhodhies (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 Pakistan

In 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

Status of Foot and Mouth Disease in

Pakistan

Importance 15.5 16.8 12.3 14.6 10.4 8

Prevelence 25.1 24.6 17.6 18.2 12.3 10.2

0 50 100 150

Prevelence Importance
NAs 10.2 8
AJK 12.3 10.4
NWFP 18.2 14.6
Balouchistan 17.6 12.3
Sindh 24.6 16.8
Punjab 25.1 15.5
Punjab Sindh Balouchistan NWFP AJK NAs

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
Meetings (50 beans per meeting) Prevalence Importance
Meetings (50 31No 253X 50 No
beans per
meeting)Pre
velenceImpo
rtanceTotal6
95347508754
25.1539815.5
3.4Liayyah59
295046843215
043719.422.81
1.8115501371
4.5%Okara693
450106931313
9.07M.B.Din43
215046815.84
2214.3Pakpatt
an4924507353
045818.6Lahor
e1995028329.
711311.8Kasur
371850537291
800.97Chakwa
l43215059227.
529813.8Attoc
k35175045826
.126715.2Sahi
wal462300578
7.2 Foot
and
Mouth
disease
in Sindh
District
15.842214.32
0.354225.2B
ahawalpur42
210039518.8
36117.1Mian
wali1890016
318.1Khane
walVehari26
130029724.9
10118.3Sarg
odha783900
97124.88922
2.8D.G.Khan
42210050624
34216.2T.T.Si
ngh3517504
1523.7207M
ultan25.1334
%NO No X 50 No % NO %
 Hyderabad 47 2350 862 36.6 402 17.1
Dadou 44 2200 738 33.5 352 16
Sanghur 47 2350 782 33.2 351 14.9
Tharparkar 21 1050 334 31.8 148 14
Mir Pur khas 61 3050 964 31.6 549 18
Thatha 70 3500 1001 28.6 591 16.8
Badin 50 2500 618 24.7 380 15.2
Ghotki 19 950 203 21.3 162 17
Noshera Feroz 47 2350 473 20.1 402 17
Larkana 64 3200 621 19.4 554 17.3
Nawab Shah 48 2400 460 19.1 385 16
Shikarpur 29 1450 266 18.3 243 16.7
Karachi 128 6400 1165 18.2 1338 20.9
Sukhur 25 1250 218 17.4 181 14.4
Jacobabad 52 2600 552 15.8 299 11.5
Total 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, November
Northern 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 Balouchistan NWFP AJK ICT NAs

Monh Mon Mon Khur Tabaq Mo Monh Mo
Khur Khur Khurab Khurab Khur Khur Khur
Mohara Samara Charo FMD
Roora Mohara
Waba

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 hanging
dead 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.
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 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.
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 MONTH
1 CALF OF 3 MONTH
The reference prices (approximate) are given in the Table
Young
Adult
Male Female
Male Female

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

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

Diseases Mortality Morbidity Treatment Total Rs.

Charges Charges
Productive Reproductive
Losses * 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.

L
ooki
ng and
moving forward for the control of Foot and Mouth Disease in
Pakistan:

For more detail:

Dr Muhammad Rasheed
PDS Expert L&DD
Punjab Pakistan
Vdrpk2005@hotmail.com 040-4950305
0300-6905109