Pindi tightens Congo virus measures

Sets up 12 cattle check posts, intensifies monitoring of Eidul Azha markets

RAWALPINDI:

With Eidul Azha approaching, the district administration has finalised special arrangements to prevent the possible spread of Congo virus, monitor cattle markets, screen sacrificial animals and provide a safe environment for citizens.

Authorities have decided to establish 12 temporary cattle check posts in Rawalpindi. As in previous years, concerns have been raised over the possible spread of Congo virus due to large-scale movement of sacrificial animals, unregulated cattle markets and open sale points.

In response, the livestock, veterinary, district administration, police and municipal departments have been placed on high alert. An important meeting chaired by the Commissioner Rawalpindi reviewed in detail arrangements for official cattle markets, sale points, cleanliness, security, traffic management and disease prevention measures for Eidul Azha 2026. The meeting decided that six official cattle markets would be established across Rawalpindi Division and would remain operational round the clock from May 16 until Eidul Azha.

According to the administration, three major cattle markets will be set up in Attock, including at Main Peshawar Road Attock, Pindigheb Road and near the CPEC Link Road close to Civil Hospital. In Chakwal, official markets will be established at Rawalpindi Road Chak Naurang Stop and on the Mianwali Road bypass in Talagang, while in Rawalpindi a cattle market will be set up at Kallar Syedan Mangal Bypass.

Sources said stricter measures were being considered this year compared to previous years to prevent Congo virus transmission.

Special livestock department teams will establish temporary cattle check posts at city entry points. Twelve cattle check posts will be set up at different locations in Rawalpindi where animals will be screened and suspected or sick animals separated immediately.

Protective spraying and vaccination of animals will also continue. Officials said ticks present on animals during Eid days could become a major cause of Congo virus transmission, therefore disinfectant spraying, medical examination of animals and the presence of veterinary staff at cattle markets were being made mandatory.

The district administration has also notified eight designated sale points in Rawalpindi where animal trading will be allowed.

These include Bhatta Chowk Mouza Sheikhpur, Mouza Ranial Chakri Road, a plot near Rawat GT Road, Gujar Khan Galyana Road, Wah Cantt Sharif Hospital Stop, HIT Timber Market Road, Kallar Syedan Bypass Chowk and Kahuta Sakhi Sabzwari Tangi Road.