THIS refers to an escalating public health concern: the rising threat of zoonotic diseases within Lahore’s rapidly expanding urban landscape. Sadly, the traditional boundaries between human settlements and animal habitats are vanishing, creating a high-risk interface for disease trans-mission. Currently, Lahore faces significant challenges with unregulated peri-urban dairy colonies and the mismanagement of animal waste in densely populated areas, like Sagian and Outfall Road.

The improper disposal of offal and carcasses, combined with a lack of systematic vaccination for stray popu-lations, provides a fertile breeding ground for pathogens, such as brucellosis, rabies and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

This is no longer just a veterinary concern; it is a critical public health crisis. To mitigate this, we need stringent enforcement of hygiene protocols in local cattle markets and meat shops, alongside large-scale, state-led vaccination drives.

Moreover, public awareness regarding animal-to-human transmission is vital. Municipal authorities and health depart-ments should collaborate to create a proactive surveillance system in order to ensure a safer environment for all citizens.

Syed Muhammed Hussain
Lahore

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026