Veterinary experts call for stronger disease surveillance, innovation, and “One Health” approach as Pakistan’s poultry sector faces rising health and productivity challenges
FAISALABAD: Pakistan’s poultry industry, the country’s second-largest sector after textiles, is under increasing pressure from disease-related challenges that experts warn are causing economic losses worth billions of rupees annually.
The concerns were raised during the inaugural session of the International Symposium on Poultry Health Challenges, jointly organized by the Department of Pathology at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA).
Speaking at the event, UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Zulfiqar Ali said the poultry sector plays a crucial role in meeting Pakistan’s nutritional requirements but is increasingly vulnerable to emerging infectious diseases and production-related health risks.
He emphasized the need to adopt a “One Health” framework, linking animal health, human health, and environmental safety to effectively manage disease threats. He noted that improving poultry health is essential not only for livestock productivity but also for safeguarding public health and food security.
Dr. Ali further highlighted Pakistan’s potential to expand into regional and global halal meat markets once domestic demand is stabilized and production systems are strengthened.
Officials also pointed to recent growth in the sector, stating that poultry meat production increased by 9.4% in 2025, reaching approximately 2.58 million tonnes, driven by intensified farming practices and rising demand.
Director General Research at the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Dr. Sajjad Hussain, stressed the importance of strengthening disease surveillance systems to enable early detection and rapid response to outbreaks.
He added that modern diagnostic laboratories have been established to improve disease monitoring and support timely interventions against emerging veterinary health threats. Experts collectively called for greater collaboration between researchers, veterinarians, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and resilience in Pakistan’s poultry sector amid ongoing health challenges.
