Congo virus cases set off alarm bells

Punjab deploys officials to examine cattle on border with Sindh, Balochistan

RAHIM YAR KHAN:

Following reported cases of Congo virus in Balochistan, the Punjab Livestock Department has deployed officials at checkpoints along the provincial border to prevent the spread of the disease.

According to officials, Livestock and Dairy Development Department’s Production Wing Director General Muhammad Nadeem Badar has also commenced inspections at a designated camp in the Kot Sabzal area of Rahim Yar Khan district.

As the gravity of the situation has intensified with the confirmation of Congo virus fever afflicting 21 more people in the country, raising the total number of people affected this year to 67.

Within the past 10 days, three patients have succumbed to the virus, raising the death toll to 20.

Responding to the alarming surge, the provincial and South Punjab livestock and dairy development departments collaborated to strengthen checkpoints on the borders with Sindh and Balochistan.

The primary objective of checkpoints is to monitor and regulate the movement of cattle entering Punjab from Sindh and Balochistan.

In view of the high risk of transmission of the virus, especially through ticks infesting cattle, the DG conducted through inspection alongside Dr Sibtain Shah and Dr Tahir Gulzar to ensure the effectiveness of the preventive measures.

A key aspect of the strategy involves on-the-spot measures, such as the immediate spraying of animals entering Punjab from Balochistan and Sindh. The department has implemented comprehensive procedures, including the application of injections to the animals’ skin to eliminate harmful insects and prevent the spread of the virus.

Beyond the checkpoints, veterinary camps have been set up to provide medical treatment and conduct on-the-spot tick repellent spraying for hundreds of animals.

Emphasis on cleanliness in animal housing areas has been made by the livestock authorities to protect them from ticks.

Awareness pamphlets are also being distributed to disseminate information about the Congo virus and preventive measures.

Apprehending the risk of slaughterhouses contributing to potential transmission of the virus, butchers have been explicitly instructed to use gloves during cattle slaughter.

An official told The Express Tribune that the livestock department was closely monitoring the performance of the field staff to ensure adherence to the preventive guidelines and directives.

In the Rahim Yar Khan district, senior officials and veterinary doctors are overseeing the arrangements made in this regard at the checkpoints along the Sindh and Balochistan borders. The official said special teams had been mobilised to address the ongoing threat, with the goal of safeguarding public health and curtailing the spread of the virus both among the animals and the people.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2023.