Veterinary experts from five SAARC member states are exchanging technical knowledge on surveillance, vaccination and regional coordination to improve preparedness against a major transboundary livestock disease affecting South Asia.
A three-day SAARC regional training programme on “LSD Surveillance and Control Measures in South Asia” began in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, bringing together livestock experts and veterinary professionals from across the region to strengthen cooperation in controlling Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) through capacity development.
The inaugural session was jointly organised by the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and Bangladesh-based Gram Unaayan Karma (GUK). Representatives from five SAARC member states, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, are participating in the programme.
The opening session featured a welcome address by Dr B.S.S. Perera, Director General of Sri Lanka’s Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) and Chairman of the SAARC Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) Forum. He highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in addressing transboundary animal diseases.
Dr Md. Younus Ali, Senior Programme Specialist (Livestock) at the SAARC Agriculture Centre, outlined the objectives of the training and stressed the need for enhanced surveillance, early detection and coordinated response mechanisms across South Asia.
In his keynote presentation, Dr S. Puvanendran, a virologist at Sri Lanka’s Veterinary Research Institute, said Lumpy Skin Disease is mainly spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes, flies and ticks. He noted that the virus can survive for long periods in skin lesions and scabs, while warm weather, animal movement and inadequate vector control contribute to its spread.
Md. Mukhlesur Rahman, Director of Gram Unaayan Karma, said raising awareness among farmers and strengthening collaboration between farmers, veterinarians and development organisations were essential for effective prevention and control of the disease.
Dr Md. Harunur Rashid, Director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, called for a coordinated regional approach to LSD surveillance and control. He said South Asian countries should strengthen information sharing, technical cooperation and capacity building to address transboundary animal diseases more effectively.
Dr W.A.R.T. Wickramaarachchi, Director General of Agriculture of Sri Lanka and a Governing Board member of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, underscored the importance of integrating scientific research, surveillance systems and policy support to reduce the economic impact of LSD on livestock farmers.
Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, said LSD posed a significant challenge to livestock development and rural livelihoods in SAARC member states. He reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and joint initiatives to strengthen disease prevention and control measures among member countries.
Chief Guest Dr A. Kalupahana, Dean of the University of Peradeniya, emphasised the importance of science-based approaches and research-driven strategies to strengthen LSD surveillance and control across the region.
Guest of Honour Dr S. Piyasiri, Additional Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the need for stronger veterinary services, effective vaccination programmes and enhanced regional cooperation to combat the spread of LSD in South Asia.
The training programme opened with what organisers described as a strong appeal for future collaboration to support sustainable livestock development in South Asia.
