Recently held symposium in Faisalabad highlights rising economic losses, calls for One Health approach and stronger disease surveillance in poultry sector
FAISALABAD: Pakistan’s rapidly expanding poultry industry—now ranked as the country’s second-largest sector after textiles—is facing escalating economic pressure as disease outbreaks continue to inflict billions of rupees in losses, according to experts speaking at a recently held scientific gathering.
The warning came during the International Symposium on Poultry Health Challenges, jointly organized by the Department of Pathology at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and the World Veterinary Poultry Association, where veterinarians, researchers, and industry stakeholders discussed urgent biosecurity concerns affecting poultry production.
A growing industry under biological pressure
Experts noted that while Pakistan’s poultry sector plays a critical role in national food security and nutrition supply, it is increasingly vulnerable to emerging and recurring disease threats. These health challenges are now translating into significant economic losses, estimated in billions of rupees annually.
Speakers emphasized that the industry’s rapid expansion—reflected in rising production levels—has not been matched with equally strong disease prevention and surveillance systems.
One Health approach becomes central focus
Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali highlighted that poultry health is no longer an isolated veterinary concern but part of a wider public health ecosystem.
He stressed the importance of the One Health approach, which connects animal health, human health, and environmental factors, warning that disease risks in poultry can ultimately impact food safety and human well-being.
He also pointed out Pakistan’s growing production capacity, noting that poultry meat output has reached 2.58 million tonnes in 2025, reflecting a 9.4% increase driven by intensified production practices. However, he cautioned that sustainability depends on controlling disease risks effectively.
Call for stronger surveillance and diagnostics
Director General Research at the Livestock and Dairy Development Department Punjab, Dr Sajjad Hussain, underscored the urgent need for robust disease surveillance systems capable of early outbreak detection and rapid response.
He noted that modern diagnostic laboratories are being established to strengthen disease management capabilities, but emphasized that field-level implementation and coordination remain critical to controlling outbreaks effectively.
Industry at a turning point
Experts collectively warned that without coordinated action between veterinarians, farmers, researchers, and policymakers, the poultry sector’s growth trajectory could face serious setbacks. The symposium concluded with a strong consensus: innovation in veterinary science, adoption of global standards, and improved disease monitoring systems are essential to safeguard both the industry and national food security.
