Haggling hits peak at cattle markets

Livestock Dept takes concrete measures to vaccinate animals against Congo virus

QUETTA: With just one day left for Eidul Azha, haggling for sacrificial animals is seeing its peak as thousands of citizens are storming cattle markets set up in Quetta and on its outskirts.

Although cattle markets on Quetta’s Eastern Bypass and Airport Road are the oldest and the largest ones, hundreds of traders established their own makeshift camps at various locations in the city in a bid to earn a better fortune.

Eidul Azha: Having a moo-ing good time in the capital

Like Sunday, Monday also saw thousands of citizens take to the cattle markets to buy sacrificial animals and many succeeded in purchasing their favourite animals on reasonable rates whereas others complained about high rates.

“I have been visiting all cattle markets set up in the provincial capital since morning but couldn’t find an appropriate animal at a reasonable rate. The government must ensure price control at cattle markets,” said Umar Khayam, a buyer.

“It is true the government paid us salary in advance, but it is only Rs25,000 and I have to look after my family for the next 40 days with this meagre amount. The normal rate of animals is higher than my salary,” added a government employee out to buy a sacrificial animal.

Talks underway to export sacrificial animals to Saudi Arabia

Meanwhile, the Livestock Department has been visiting various markets to vaccinate and spray the animals against Congo virus. It has also distributed sprays among the traders, it is learnt.
The Livestock Department officials also urge people to spray their sacrificial animals before taking them home.
As Eidul Adha is only a day away, rush at the cattle markets will increase on the final day (today).

Peshawar admin to spray sacrificial animals

On special directives of Livestock Department Secretary Dr Muhammad Akbar Harifal, the cattle being transported to Quetta are sprayed at Baleli checkpoints and later at the cattle markets under the supervision of officers of the department.

The department has also advised the masses to get their animals sprayed before taking them home at any government cattle market or a veterinary clinic at Quetta’s McConaghey Road.

Furthermore, the livestock officials have also advised the citizens to put on masks on their faces, wear glasses and gloves at the time of slaughter of the animals and maintain these precautionary measures at the time of skinning the animal as the virus was air borne.
However, after the animal is slaughtered and its meat is cold, the virus dies itself.