APP reports that this was stated by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan during his speech at the 85th General Session of OIE in Paris on Sunday while issuing a press release.

The event was attended by delegates from 180 countries besides observers from regional and international organizations. Addressing the Plenary Session, the minister said that the role of World Organization for Animal Health is vital for rural socioeconomic development, food security and poverty alleviation, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan.

He said that in Pakistan, socio-economic development hinges upon livestock development as over 8 million families derive 35 per cent of their income from this sector. Addressing the challenge of livestock diseases remains a priority area for the government. He commended OIE's technical support for developing and implementing disease control strategies and policies in Pakistan.

The minister informed the delegates that Pakistan was successfully freed from rinderpest disease in 2007 and bird flu in 2008. It has also initiated a national programme to eliminate foot and mouth disease in animals.

He hoped that OIE General Assembly will develop guidelines for the member states to organize their animal husbandry and treatment practices on more scientific lines to better safeguard the health of the livestock as well as of the human beings.

The minister termed OIE a valuable forum to deliberate new ideas and solutions for addressing the existing problems and bridging the gaps for qualitative development of livestock sector, and for discussing and creating awareness for the challenges ahead.

The World Assembly of OIE delegates establishes the policies of OIE, examines new inter-governmental standards covering animal and zoonotic disease control methods, safety of international trade in animal and animal products as well as animal welfare.