Vets deployed to inspect sacrificial animals
To ensure the sale of healthy animals in the cattle markets of the district ahead of Eidul Azha, the Livestock Department has established medical examination checkpoints at all entrance points of Rawalpindi.
According to official sources, the department has also prepared a plan for medical inspection of sacrificial animals inside the cattle markets to prohibit the sale of ailing animals.
Under the plan, sick animals will be immediately quarantined, and all animals entering the livestock market will undergo a special spray treatment.
Entry points to the Bhatta Ground, the largest hub for buying and selling sacrificial animals in Rawalpindi, have been designated for sacrificial animals’ medical inspections.
Special Livestock Department check posts have been set up at entry points in Rawalpindi, Murree, and Taxila.
Livestock Department Additional Director Dr Naveeda Sahar Zaidi told The Express Tribune that only animals confirmed to be in perfect health will be allowed for sale during Eidul Adha.
The Livestock Department has completed all necessary preparations for this purpose, he said. Dr Naveeda Sahar Zaidi emphasised that animals suffering from Lumpy Skin, mouth, and other diseases will not be permitted for sale at the animal markets.
With the arrival of animals at the Bhatta Ground cattle market, the Livestock Department teams have already commenced their tasks. Each market will have medical professionals and support staff.
The additional director highlighted the risk of the contagious Congo Virus disease spreading through sick animals. The Livestock Department and the Health Department have established a liaison, and representatives from both departments will meet on Monday to finalise plans for preventing disease transmission from sacrificed animals and to take other necessary actions.
Previously, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) auctioned the contract for the garrison city’s largest cattle market for Rs89.5 million.
The contract for the Bhatta Chowk cattle market includes the provision of drinking water, lighting, parking, and security.
Cantonment Executive Officer Imran Gulzar stated that only the cattle market at Bhata Chowk will be permitted for the sale of sacrificial animals, with strict penalties for violations.
He reassured the availability of all necessary facilities at the cattle market and warned that severe consequences await anyone attempting to sell sick animals.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 11th, 2023.