Veterinarians urged to help the livestock farmers

As many as 1,500 rabies exposure cases have been reported in Lahore by the Institute of Public Health (IPH). Among them 95 per cent of cases are caused by dog bites. Rabies is a killer disease, but it can be prevented by proper vaccination, said University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad on Saturday.Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad stressed the veterinarians play their due role in developing a connection between the animals and their owners. He also advised the veterinarians to raise awareness of animal welfare, public health, food safety and food security. He said that 75 per cent of the population of animals is owned by small farmers who depend on livestock as an instant source of livelihood.
“These veterinarians have a key role in poverty alleviation through livestock development in rural areas. A strong working relationship between veterinarians and livestock farmers is therefore necessary,” he said. He said the veterinarians of Pakistan need to excel their abilities and skills in a more organized and professional way to help the livestock farmers in terms of animal health, animal nutrition, improved milk and meat production. He said that in 2010, the International Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Veterinary Association conferred World Veterinary Day Award 2010 upon UVAS for its contribution to World Veterinary Day celebrations.
Earlier, university faculty member and students held a walk in the university campus to create awareness among general public on the current rabies situation as well as measures that will be carried out for the purpose of the control of rabies. The walk participants were holing banners and placards. The veterinarian examined animals and pets and gave free of cost medicine at the UVAS outdoor hospital and pet center. Vets Care Club Patron-in-chief Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha., Faculty of Life Sciences and Business Management Dean Prof Dr Muhammad Aleem Bhatti, Dr Uzma Farid Durani and Quality Enhancement Cell Director Prof Dr Habib –ur-Rehman were present.