Farmers in distress as livestock diseases spreading fast in KP

PESHAWAR — Lumpy skin and foot-and-mouth diseases are rapidly spreading among livestock in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, affecting dairy and small farmers, according to growers. Officials say the Livestock Department has not yet purchased vaccines and medicines for these diseases, despite tendering for them scheduled for fiscal year 2026-2027.

The tender process has been delayed, with a committee conducting technical scorecards and physical inspections of companies. Some companies have raised objections and sought legal action through the KP Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PRA) and Peshawar High Court. Furthermore, the department has not advertised the tender for all types of poultry and animal vaccines for 2026-27.

Officials confirm that the vaccines purchased by KP Directorate General Livestock in June 2026 have been dispatched to relevant districts. However, some district livestock management information system (LMIS) software is not functioning, preventing the use of these vaccines in the field. Livestock Farmers Welfare Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has expressed deep concern over the spread of these diseases and the lack of vaccines.

The association claims farmers are struggling to obtain timely vaccines and medical care, leading to distress and increased demands for door-to-door vaccine distribution. If the situation remains uncontrolled, they warn of large-scale livestock deaths, reduced production, and potential milk and meat shortages, impacting both farmers and consumers.

A delegation led by the association's provincial president Mohammad Asif Khan Awan met with Dr Iftikhar Alam, director of livestock. They informed him of the disease spread, vaccine shortage, and farmer challenges. Dr Alam promised to take necessary measures to protect livestock and resolve farmers' issues. The association also urged the chief minister, chief secretary, livestock secretary, and special assistant for livestock to address the crisis by providing vaccines, forming mobile veterinary teams, and launching an emergency vaccination campaign in affected areas.

Farmers, vital to the province's food supply, have threatened protests if steps are not taken promptly to control the diseases. A senior livestock department official reported that an extensive vaccination campaign is underway in affected areas, with most available vaccines being used. Authorities instructed district directors to purchase vaccines up to Rs500,000 while adhering to PRA guidelines, focusing on the most affected southern, central, and Dir Upper districts.