Laboratory diagnosis of transboundary animal diseases in Pakistan

Control of animal and poultry diseases is one of the primary objectives of government livestock departments in Pakistan. Main emphasis is given to the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases (TADs), i.e. rinderpest, foot and mouth disease (FMD), Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and avian influenza (AI) in the country. Recently (2007), the Office International des Epizooties has certified Pakistan as a rinderpest-free country but other TADs are still a threat to the livestock and poultry sectors in the country and the region at large. Keeping in view the significance of livestock and poultry industry for the livelihood of the farmers as well as the economy of the country, a network of diagnostic facilities has been established both at federal and provincial levels. The National Veterinary Laboratory (NVL) Islamabad has been designated as a referral laboratory for the diagnosis of rinderpest, FMD and PPR. Presence of these viruses is confirmed using ELISA. Diagnosis and monitoring of AI is the responsibility of National Reference Laboratory for Poultry Diseases Animal Health, Animal Sciences Institute, Islamabad where hemagglutination, agar-gel-precipitin test (AGPT), ELISA and PCR are employed to confirm the diseases. In each of the four provinces, the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) plays a central role to investigate an outbreak and implement measures to contain infection. Besides VRIs, district diagnostic laboratories have also been established to provide basic diagnostic facilities to the farmers. Undiagnosed cases or samples collected from TADs are referred to either the concerned VRI or the NVL for further analysis. The Animal Sciences Institute (ASI) at the National Agricultural Research Centre and eight veterinary universities/faculties also play an important role in the development/improvement of new assays/biologics and dissemination of knowledge to other institutes in the country. The present status of TADs and recommendations for harmonizing the diagnostic tools for these diseases are discussed.