Veterinary Research & Disease Investigation Center Balogram, Swat
GENERAL HISTORY, INTRODUCTION, IMPORTANCE OF THE STATION
Preamble
Livestock sector in
Pakistan also plays an important role in development of agriculture in rural
areas and adds a lot to the national economy. It has an important role in
poverty alleviation but due to lack of modern diagnostic facilities,
unawareness of modern livestock management techniques and veterinary research a
lot of problems are in front of livestock farmers.
Veterinary Research
and Disease Investigation Center (VR&DIC) Balogram, Swat was established in
the year 1988-89 with the objectives to provide quality diagnostic services,
conduct field oriented research and supply quality vaccine to farmers of the area.
Since establishment, the Center has been contributing enormously to achieve
these mentioned objectives in a befitting manner.
Malakand Division is rich in livestock wealth and different systems of livestock rearing exit in the area. In recent past animals and poultry were primarily kept for subsistence but due to commercialization and increase in population intensive and extensive modern livestock and poultry farming is budding in the division. These opportunities are providing jobs and are sources of income for local human population of the area. VR&DIC is playing a key role in bringing people towards modern livestock and poultry farming advisory and by providing training services. Lush green alpine and sub alpine pastures are abundant throughout the area providing excellent grazing for pastoral herds during summer. Fodder cultivation is practiced down the valleys. Traditionally, hay and crop residues are fed to livestock during winter due to non-availability of green fodder and grasses. Animals consume roughages and other poor quality feeds and convert them to high quality human food like meat, milk and eggs. They also give skins, wool, hair and other valuable products. Thus, these are contributing substantially to the economy of the area and the whole country. However, the local farmers are facing problems which are limiting livestock productivity. These include animal ailments and deaths, lack of adequate veterinary assistance, deficiency of feed during cold months of the year, lack of education/ training, poverty and other related hazards. Depletion of high land pastures due to overgrazing and deforestation is also alarming. Such issues and challenges need due public and private attention.
History
of Establishment
Since the
inception/establishment of VRI in the year 1949 in Peshawar, it was in a small
building with limited staff and other essential infrastructure to undertake essential activities of
research on livestock/poultry diseases, production of veterinary
biologics/diagnostic agents apart from to meet the demand of the province, its
function was to cope with the need across the country including the defense
services, and supply to neighboring countries of Afghanistan and Iran etc as
well, in cases of diseases outbreaks.
All such facilities
were being extended from this unit at Peshawar (i.e. VRI) to the far flung
areas of the province with tremendous problem. Consequently it was seriously
felt that self supporting branches are needed to be established, including this
at Saidu Sharif, Distt Swat. As an urgent action in this regard in the
preliminary stages, for interim period till the planning and construction of
self sufficient infrastructure, it was planned to depute a working unit from
the VRI, Peshawar for the extension of the desired services to the livestock
& poultry farmers.
Ultimately in the year 1984-85 with the view to extend research & diagnostic facilities and advisory services to livestock and poultry farmers/community of the far flung areas of the Province, divisional Veterinary Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (VR&DL) headed by a Veterinary Officer (Research) were established temporarily at CVH, Saidu Sharif, Distt: Swat.
Infrastructure Development under Project Implementation
In the year 1986-87, a developmental scheme was approved
in response to Deptt Sub Committee
meeting held on Nov 12, 1986 from
the ADP of the then Govt of NWFP (Agri; Forest and Cooperation Deptt) with
three (03) years financial phasing for the establishment of VR&DL at
Balogram, Swat on a land area of 06 K
and 16 M (37022 Sq.Ft), with an
approved cost of Rs. 3.830 millions.
(Actual Cost = 4.050 Millions)
Annual
commencement of the project Mar 1987
Actual
completion of the project June
1989
Completion Period 33 Months
After completion of the project during the
year 1988-89, the centers was converted
to non-developmental side on permanent basis (current expenditures), and had
been working at Balogram, Distt Swat, headed by DD(R)/SRO (BPS-18) who acted as
officer in charge under the admin control of the head quarter (i.e. director
VRI Peshawar), for the extension of the desired services along with the
provision of adequate vaccines storage facility round the year to meet the
emergencies.
PC-I Objectives of Centre (PC-I titled “Estt of Diagnostic Lab at Saidu Sharif
Swat.”).
According
to the approved PC-I (FY 1986-87) of the project for the establishment of the
centre titled “Establishment of Vety Research & Diagnostic Laboratory at
Saidu Sharif, Swat, Malakand Division”, the objectives of the project
preferable in quantitative terms are to;
- Provides
diagnostic services/facilities [(600 samples for bacterial, viral and
parasitic exam) and (300 PM Exam) on monthly basis].
to the livestock/poultry farmers and
extension wing of the L&DD of entire Malakand Division.
- Survey/studies
field oriented problems to be systemically under taken which in fact could
not be effectively taken and hand previously due to various financial and
technical reasons.
- Serve a
storage for 0.15 mil doses of different biologics.
- Poultry training courses will
also be organized in order to encourage the poultry farming in the area
with the co operation of extension wing of the Deptt.
Up-gradation
In order to
accomplish the divisional demands, during the financial year 2006-07 to 2008-09,
the provincial Govt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa approved a scheme titled “Up-gradation of VR&DL to Veterinary
Research Station (North), Balogram, Swat” with a total cost of Rs. 20.000
Millions to upgrade the centre to cope with the desired extended needs of the
area.
During the centre’s life extended from the
1984-85 since its establishment through 2005-06, means the period lapsed since
it’s establishment as a unit, the following projects has been approved and under
taken out in the center as detailed below.
LIST OF PROJECTS UNDER TAKEN IN THE HISTORY OF THE STATION
S# |
PROJECT
TITLE |
FY |
FUNDING
SOURCE |
IN-CHARGE/
PRINCIPAL
INVESTIGATOR |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
1 |
“Taxonomical
studies of the prevalent ticks species on different livestock hosts
throughout NWFP” |
2005-06 2007-08 |
ALP (AREF) PARC, Islamabad. |
Dr. S. Rahimullah Shah |
2 |
“Up-gradation of VR&DL to Veterinary Research
Station (North), Balogram, Swat“. |
2006-07 to 2008-09 |
Provincial ADP. |
Dr. S. Rahimullah Shah |
Geographical Location
of the Center
The center is easily approachable and is
located on kalam bypass (hardly at a furlong distance from Balogram chowk) at a
distance of 05 Kilometers South-West of Mingora City, the main city of the district
adjacent to the divisional headquarter Saidu Sharif, Swat. Geographically, this
is a central point of Malakand Division. Malakand Division includes the
districts of Swat, Lower and Upper Dir, Buner, Shangla, Chitral and Malakand
Agency. The fascinating location of the Center on Thakhtaband (Kalam) bypass
road is reflecting the splendid valley. Lush green fields and sky kissing hills
in the surroundings are looking very charming. A new block recently constructed
has added to the outlook of the station. These natural panoramas are making a
better working environment for disposing of technical activities/services of
the organization is equally substantial.
Importance of the
Center
Veterinary Research
& Disease Investigation Center, Balogram, Swat being pioneer of its sort in
the north of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and a unique center in the entire
Malakand Division has the mandate to conduct quality research of prevailing
animal issues, provide diagnostic services for livestock, pet animals and wild
life department of the entire Malakand division. Malakand Division comprises of
Districts of Swat, Shangla, Buner, Dir (lower), Dir (Upper), Chitral and Provincially
Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) Malakand Agency. At present the Center
comprises two divisions namely; Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of
Non- Infectious Diseases, dealing with the Microbiological aspects and Parasitology
and nutritional disease/disorders respectively. Each division comprising of two
sections headed by a Research Officer, under the supervision of a divisional in
charge, Senior Research Officer.
In addition to the
routine diagnostic and research programs of the center, these divisions have
been extending research facilities in various relevant disciplines of
microbiology and parasitology to the graduates and undergraduates students and
postgraduate scholars of different universities including;
University of
Agriculture, Peshawar
Sindh Agriculture
University (SAU), Tandojam
University of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore
Hazara University,
Mansehra
University of Swat
University of
Malakand, and
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, sheringal.
Results of the
research, so undertaken are published in the form of thesis and/or research
papers in various scientific journals of national and international interests.
Quality vaccines are being procured and
stored at Veterinary Research and Disease Investigation Center, Swat for provision
to the farmers of the area. The center is also extending excellent diagnostic
services and imparting basic trainings to the interested farmers. Sub centers
in Tehsil Matta and kabal are also providing diagnostic services to the
farmers. We are coordinating and
collaborating with a number of NGOs i.e. International Livestock Research Institute
(ILRI) and Relief International (RI), universities and other public and private
sector organizations. Research regarding
field issues is encouraged through involvement of postgraduate students of
various national universities. The scientists of the organization are keen in
planning and formulating research proposals for future implementation.
Main activities of the Center
1. Research activities.
2. Disease Diagnosis.
3. Assisting VRI for Vaccine
Supply in Malakand Division
4. Out reach activities like
Farmers awareness camps, field days etc.
5. Advisory services.
6. Collaborative and linkages with
universities and Govt: departments and other organization.
FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTER
The center has been
working for the uplift of their main functions as follow.
i. To produce and supply biological
products and diagnostic agents for the prevention, control, and diagnosis of
important livestock and poultry diseases.
ii. Undertaking
research and disease investigations on animal diseases.
MANDATE
According
to Rules of Business-1985 Schedule-II [Rules-3(3) & Rules 9(4)(i)], the function of business of livestock
Deptt are set as;
1). Improvement of Livestock.
2). Prevention of animal diseases.
3). Veterinary Trainings and Research.
4). Prevention of cruelty to animals.
5). Zoological Survey.
Mandate of Veterinary Research Institute & its Regional Centers
across the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is as follow.
- Animal
Biodiversity.
- Research in
Livestock Biotechnology
- Transfer of
Technology through training and publication.
- Production of
Biologics and Diagnostic Reagents against prevalent disease of economic
importance.
- Epidemiological
survey and control of Zoonotic diseases.
- Research in
animal health and production to enhance Livestock and poultry
productivity.
The policies framed
and implementation under these objectives of livestock development are targeted
at achieving the self-reliance and improvement of productivity of animal products
i.e. milk, meat etc are;
i. attending
disease outbreak in field for proper diagnosis in Malakand Division.
ii. to exploit the
livestock/poultry potentials for their products and by products.
ii. toenhance per caput productivity of existing
livestock/poultry resources through of new technologies development and farming
methods of improved management practice.
iii. to decrease import of milk and dairy products by
promoting substitution with inland production.
iv. ensuring credit availability for livestock/poultry
farmers, especially the landless ones, Improving the infrastructure of
livestock marketing.
v. strengthening of
livestock institutions along with improving their inter linkages/ coordination.
etc.
Mission
It is being planned to upgrade this station to the level of institute servicing the public in the North as a full pledged institution to meet the future demands for the uplift of the regional economy.
SANCTIONED STAFF STRENGTH
Category # |
DESIGNATION (Post
Nomenclature) |
BPS |
Sanctioned Strength |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
1. |
Regional Director / Principal Research
Officer |
19 |
01 |
2. |
Senior Research
Officers |
18 |
02 |
3 |
Research Officers |
17 |
07 |
4 |
Computer Operator |
16 |
01 |
5 |
Office Assistant |
16 |
01 |
6 |
Senior Clerk |
14 |
01 |
7 |
Junior Clerk |
11 |
03 |
8 |
Lab: Technician |
10 |
02 |
9 |
Laboratory
Assistant |
06 |
05 |
10 |
Driver |
04 |
02 |
11 |
Laboratory
Attendant |
03 |
12 |
13 |
Electrician |
03 |
01 |
14 |
Naib Qasid |
03 |
03 |
15 |
Chawkidar |
03 |
05 |
16 |
T.Well Operator |
03 |
01 |
17 |
Mali |
03 |
01 |
18 |
Sweeper |
03 |
03 |
TOTAL |
51 |
ACTIVITIES
Main activities
being carried out at the center are;
1. Research activities.
2. Disease Diagnosis.
3. Vaccine procurement and onward
supply to the users in Malakand Division.
4. Outreach activities like camps,
field days for farmer awareness etc.
5. Advisory services.
6. Collaborative research
activities and linkages with universities and Govt Deptt.
Research Surveys Conducted
1.
Sampling
of fishes from entire river swat in disease outbreak along with the team of
researchers from NIBGE, Faisalabad.
2.
Sampling
from Gabrali breed of cow in entire swat along with the team of researchers
from NIBGE, Faisalabad.
3.
Sampling
of milk from milk points for adulterants analysis.
Farmer
Trainings
Trainings is one of the mandatory services to
be provided to farmers/extension workers on modern practices livestock and
poultry farming/production.
Free Veterinary Camping/Field days
In order to create a
social awareness regarding the needs of disease diagnosis in the public, this
activity on the analogy of extension work got an immense importance for farmers
and the researchers as well to;
- Understand
on farm situation
- Generate
research ideas
- Producing
inter linkages between farmers & researchers and thus confidence
building
- Receiving
feedback for better and in time analysis. etc.
Advisory Services
Diagnostic services
for various diseases of ruminants, monogastric animals including pets and
poultry are provided to farmers for timely and accurate diagnosis of
diseases.
Livestock and
poultry farmers visit this station for seeking expert opinions.
Researchers from
this centre also visit livestock and poultry farms for giving their expert
opinions.
RESEARCH TRIALS
Completed
1.
Isolation and identification of microbes from
contaminated bhk-21 cell lines using API 20 strip (Biomeriux, France).
(completed)
Dr. Azizullah Noor, Hazara university, Mansehra
2.
Isolation and identification of salmonella spp from
dead poultry birds, poultry meat, eggs and personal involved with poultry using
api 20 strip (biomeriux, france). (completed)
Mr. Sadeeq Akbar, University of Swat.
3.
Isolation and identification of fungal species from
freshwater fishes of river swat and its associated hatcheries and farms.
(completed)
Mr. Saifullah, University of Swat.
4.
Genetic characterization of kutta sheep in valley
swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. (Completed)
Dr. Naveed ullah, University of Agriculture, Peshawar.
5.
Microbial, nutritional & adulterants analysis of
milk collected from different milk selling points of distric, swat. (completed)
Mr. Misbah, Mr. Israr and Mr. Hamayyun, University of Swat.
6.
Effect of yeast “saccharomyces cervicii”
on milk produ and composiyion in dairy duffalo at district swat. (on-going)
Mr. Adnan Saeed, University of Agriculture, Peshawar.
7.
Zoonotic aspects of tuberculosis, salmonellosis and brucellosis.
8.
Evaluation of efficacy of BaCl2 (Barium Chloride)
assay for pregnancy testing from urine in cattle/buffaloes.
9.
Determination of Coliform Counting of Drinking Water
From Springs And Well.
10.
Clinical Confirmation of Paratuberculosis From
Feacal Samples of Cattles/Buffaloes Through Acid Fast Staining.
11. Detection of Tick Borne Pathogens (Theileria Spp, Anaplasma Spp And Babesia Spp Etc) In Blood Obtained From Cross Bred Catlles And Indigenous Cattles/Buffaloes
Ongoing
1.
Isolation of entero-pathogenic bacteria from branded
and unbranded milk.
2.
Characterization of bacterial pathogens from fishes
of river Swat.
3.
Isolation of zoonotic pathogens from various animals
Achievements ?
1.
Establishment of Biosafety Level – II (BSL-II)
Laboratory facility in 2015.
2.
New tests facility have been developed during the
year 2015-16
• Water Coliform Count Test for House-Well, Tube-Well & Water Reservoir.
• Pregnancy Diagnosis in Animals using Urine.
• Establishment of serological tests for zoonotic diseases like; Salmonellosis,
Toxoplasmosis and Brucellosis.
• Tests for Milk Adulterants analysis and composition.
• Out breaks attendance.
3.
Establishment of API strips for identification of
Microbial Pathogens.
Research Publications
1. Genetic diversity of endangered sheep breed of valley Swat, Pakistan,
based on microsatellite analysis. Naveed Ullaha, Muhammad Tariq Zeb*b,
Sohail Ahmada, Mirza Ali Khand, Muhammad Tahir
Khane, Sibghat ullahc,
Muhammad Nauman-ul-Islamf, Azizullah Noorg,
Ihsanullah Khanf, Ihsan uddinb, Muhammad Idreesi.
American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences
(ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 23, No 1, pp 172-184. Impact factor 0.296
2. Physico-chemical, Microbiological parameters and Adulteration in Processed
Dairy Products in Pakistan. Sibghat Ullaha, Muhammad Tariq Zeb*b,
Muhammad Ayazc, Muhammad Tahir Khand, Siraj Ahmada,
Aziz Ullah Noore, Kausar Zebd, Farman Ullahe,
Baitullah Khana, Muhammad Nauman-ul-Islamh, Naveed Ullahi,
Ihsanullah Khanf, Faizul Hassanb, Ihsan uddinb,
Haneefur Rehmana, Faiza Ashrafa. American Scientific
Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS)
(2016) Impact factor 0.296
3. In-vitro Susceptibility of FMD Virus Serotype A Endemic in KPK, Pakistan.
Khush Bakht Mehreena, Muhammad Tariq Zebb*, Muhammad
Bilalc, Mirza Ali Khand, Muhammad Tahir Khane,
Sibghatullahf, Baitullah Khang, Muhammad Nauman-ul-Islamh,
Azizullah Noori, Ihsanullah Khanj, Hafiz Muhammad Alik,
Anosh Abidl, Muhammad Rizwanm. American Scientific
Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016)
Volume 23, No 1, pp 172-184. Impact factor 0.296
4. Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanol and Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Roots
Adiantum Capillus- Veneris. Muhammad Bilal1, Muhammad Tahir Khan2,
Shahid Hussain2, Muhammad Tariq Zeb3, Muhammad Bilal4
and Medrar Hissain1. JRLMC VOL .4 NO.1 JAN – JUN 2015. P. 43-48.
5. Evaluation of potency for Foot & Mouth Disease serotype-A oil based
vaccine in guinea pigs. Muhammad Tariq Zeb, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Muhammad
Bilal, Mirza Ali Khan, Baitullah Khan. J. of Anim. Health. Produc. 23 (1): 1-8, 2015.
FUTURE PLAN/VISION
In future, this institution is planning to improve its organizational
structural by introducing/ incorporating the following new sections, needed to
be established in the existing structure of the center.
However, the list of activities mentioned below either
undertaken or are being undertaken varying from time to time based on need and
facilities availability, are to be kept continued along with other facilities
inclusion and further improvement in the existing.
i.
Conducting field/problem oriented
research in veterinary field for the prevention, control, and/or partial
eradication of livestock and poultry diseases through in time supply of
vaccines to the extension wing and farmers.
ii. Providing
advisory services to livestock, poultry farmers, and extension workers.
iii. Providing
diagnostic facilities to the veterinarians, poultry and livestock owners.
iv. Producing/using
different biologics/reagents against major infectious/ contagious diseases of
livestock and poultry.
v. Arranging
different events for capacity building of the farmers and field practitioners.
vi. Providing
diagnostic/ research facilities regarding zoonotic diseases.
vii. Supervising
and assisting postgraduate research scholars in their thesis and the
universities in academic research.
viii.Extending
diagnostic services to the wildlife and fisheries Deptts.
ix. Extending
technical and advisory services to peasantries of wild life and fisheries Deptt
in Malakand Division.
x. Using
animal biotechnology in animal health and production.
xi. Controlling
of Poultry and Livestock diseases of economic and zoonotic importance.
xii. Enhancing
livestock productivity per unit/caput, targeted at poverty alleviation, women
development and improvement in human diet.
xiii.Developing
human resource for generating self-employment and capacity building for
establishing commercial enterprises.
xiv.Cooperation
with wildlife, health and other Deptt in areas of common interest.
a). Centre of Milk
Adulterants Research And Analysis (CoMARA)
b). Center of
Excellence in Microbiology And Biotechnology (CEMAB)
c). Center of Zoonotic Diseases And Vety Public
Health CoZAPH / One Health Unit (OHU)
d). Center of
Parasitic And Nutritional Diseases (CoPAND)
e). Center for Res ON Theriogenology (CONTg)
a). Centre of Milk Adulterants Analysis and Research
(CoMAAR)
b). Center of Excellence in
Microbiology And Biotechnology (CEMAB)
This center will focus on research
regarding infectious, contagious diseases of small ruminants (PPR, CCPP,
Enterotoxaemia, Pasteurollosis and enzootic abortion in sheep etc), large
ruminants (Mastitis, FMD and HS etc) will be conducted. The post mortem
examinations of dead animals brought to this center are routinely carried out
throughout the year. Tentative diagnoses are made based on post mortem
findings. The center has the facilities for fundamental microbiological
techniques like isolation and identification of microbes and characterization
by biochemical tests using Rapid on strip and API-20E and API-20NE (BioMeriuex,
France). But there are no facilities in this center for confirmatory diagnosis
through PCR or ELISA. The specimens suspected are taken and transported to the
head quarter (Veterinary research Institute, Peshawar) for confirmatory
diagnosis. To overcome this issue in Malakand division, suspected specimens
will be processed through PCR and ELISA and confirmatory diagnosis will be made
over here. PCR and ELISA based diagnosis of important line PPR and CCPP will be
developed for small ruminants here in this center. Diagnosis of FMD through PCR
and ELISA will be established for large animals. PCR facility using specific
primer sequences (contagious mastitogens like Streptococcus aureus and Streptococcus aglactiae) for diagnosis will be developed for mastitis in dairy
animals
c). Center of Zoonotic Diseases And Vety Public Health CoZDAVPH
/ One Health Unit (OHU)
Where the research on pathogens of
zoonotic importance will be conducted. Brucellosis, Salmonellosis,
Tuberculosis/Para-tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis. The farmers rearing sheep and
goat population are facing problems of enzootic abortion. The center is
providing facility for Sero-prevalence of Brucella abortus/ melitensus,
toxoplasma gondii through slide agglutination test for diagnosing the cause of
abortions in sheep/goat flocks. Moreover salmonella are isolated from poultry
and poultry products through fundamental microbiological procedures. The slants
are prepared from these microbes which can be further characterized through
molecular techniques like PCR. This center will be established to work on these
pathogens for to see the dynamics of these pathogens and to establish the
relationship and pathway of zoonosis. Such types of approach will be helpful
for the integrity of One Health Concept to ensure the safety of animal health,
human health and environment.
d). Center of Parasitic And Nutritional Diseases (CoPAND)
Where research on important parasitic
diseases of animals along with major emphasis of vector borne diseases like
Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Trypnosomiasis and Theileriosis etc. Important diseases of poultry like AI, ND,
IB, IBD, ILT etc will be dealt in this center. Moreover the facilities for
finding out the titer of antibodies in the serum against important poultry
diseases will be established to facilitate the poultry farmers of the entire Malakand
division.
e). Center of Theriogenology (CoTg)
Where
animals’ reproductive physiology will be studies through B-Mode
ultra-sonography in small animals and hormonal assays will be performed for
large animals. These studies will be prospective for development of in vitro
embryo transfer technology. Moreover reproductive disorders will also be easily
diagnosed in this center.