Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak hits livestock in Punjab villages

An outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in animals has gripped several villages in Tehsil Pattoki, leaving livestock farmers in Sarai Mughal, Hanjra Khurd, Kot Shakir Hanjra, and adjoining areas in deep distress.

Dozens of valuable cattle — including milking cows and buffaloes — have been infected, sparking fears of heavy financial losses to local farmers.

According to livestock owners, the disease has spread rapidly over the past few days. Many affected animals have stopped eating, while production of milk has dropped drastically.

Farmers say repeated complaints to the Livestock Department Pattoki have gone unanswered, accusing the department of negligence and failure to provide timely vaccines.

“Our cattle are suffering badly, and we’ve received no help from the department despite mult