The Sindh government is set to test a Russian-developed vaccine on a trial basis in a bid to shield the province’s livestock from the devastating impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), with a formal partnership contingent on successful results.

According to Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), this development follows a meeting between the Provincial Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Muhammad Ali Malkani, and a visiting delegation of vaccine specialists from a Federal Institute of Russia. Mr. Malkani affirmed that the provincial administration is taking all conceivable measures to safeguard farm animals from various illnesses.

The Russian contingent, which included Dr. Victor, Dr. Alexander, Dr. Pavel, and Dr. Natalia, briefed the minister on their extensive experience. They highlighted their success in establishing FMD and LSD-free zones in various districts of Punjab and noted their 15-year history of producing vaccines against livestock ailments for 25 nations worldwide.

The experts extended an offer to cooperate with the Sindh government not only in vaccine production but also in training local veterinarians. This initiative aims to equip local professionals with the skills to develop vaccines domestically in the future, fostering self-sufficiency.

Welcoming the proposal, Minister Malkani stated that the Russian vaccine would be evaluated in an affected zone. He noted that the administration had previously tested vaccines from Turkey and the United States. “If the results are satisfactory, the government will consider formal collaboration with the Russian institute,” the minister said.

He emphasized that the ultimate objective is to render the province completely free from FMD and LSD, ensuring the livestock-owning community can secure their animals from all major diseases and protect their livelihoods.