‘Congo virus keeping customers away’

Cattle handlers say very few people visited cattle markets this year

MULTAN: Cattle handlers and dealers have complained of meagre sales of cattle and falling prices ahead of Eidul Azha this year. Many of them blame it on ‘rumours’ of Congo Fever virus.

Fewer people visited cattle markets compared to previous years, cattle handlers said. “Many of those who visit ask us whether our animals have been sprayed and vaccinated,” said Muhammad Ajmal, a cattle dealer. “Custom has been low and there is a general reluctance to visit cattle markets.”

Another cattle seller in the market, Ikram Ali said very few people had visited the cattle markets this year. In previous years, families would visit cattle markets just to look at the animals, he said. “There were barely any women and children at the cattle markets this year.”

Prospective customers at cattle markets agree. Murtaza, a resident of Shujabad, said he had visited the cattle market near Multan to buy an animal. “But I am aware of the risks…Congo virus is deadly and people are right to take precaution.”

Another customer checking out animals at a cattle market near Vehari Road said he was a bit scared of getting too close to the animals out of fear of the virus. “This is why I haven’t brought my children with me.”

The Congo virus scare has turned into a nightmare for cattle sellers, Atta Muhammad, a cattle dealer, said.

“I don’t think most of us had realised how low a turn out we would face this year…if anything, I went into a massive loss.” He said that he had purchased 400 animals to sell at the market. “I managed to sell only a few.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2016.