Lahore, The Department of Parasitology at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) in Lahore has formalized a partnership aimed at enhancing academic and research cooperation in vaccine production. An MoU was signed with the Livestock and Dairy Development Department (Research) from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Peshawar, the Center for Advance Studies in Vaccinology and Biotechnology (CASVAB) in Quetta, and the Veterinary Research Institute in Lahore, Punjab. This collaboration falls under the project “Tackling Food Security by Controlling Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Bovines.”
According to a news release by University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), The signing ceremony, held at the City Campus on Friday, was attended by prominent figures from each institution. Prof Dr. Kamran Ashraf of the UVAS Department of Parasitology, Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Ali from KP Peshawar’s Directorate General Livestock and Dairy Development Department (Research), Dr. Sajjad Hussain of Directorate General Livestock Punjab (Research), and Dr. Saadullah Jan, Director of CASVAB, were the signatories of the MoU.
In his remarks at the event, Prof Dr. Kamran Ashraf highlighted UVAS’s vital role and the available research facilities dedicated to the production of vaccines against tick and tick-borne diseases, crucial for the livestock sector in Pakistan. Prof Dr. Muhammad Imran Rasheed further emphasized UVAS’s commitment to training professionals in the latest vaccine production technologies, assuring that the university remains open to offering technical assistance to livestock experts.
Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Ali, Dr. Saadullah Jan, and Dr. Sajjad Hussain provided insights into their respective labs and the research facilities available to counter deadly livestock diseases. The ceremony also included the distribution of certificates to veterinary officers, teaching staff, and research associates who participated in a hands-on training workshop.
The MoU outlines several areas of collaboration: jointly organizing seminars, conferences, training workshops, and symposiums; conducting collaborative research studies and R and D projects related to the Veterinary Research Institute and UVAS. Both parties will also exchange academic resources, development materials, and share innovations and ideas. Building research ties and fostering cooperation with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan is also on the agenda. Furthermore, internship and training opportunities will be provided to students and staff to enhance their capabilities.