Latest news with #El-Aknes
Al-Ahram Weekly
20 hours ago
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's animal health situation ‘stable and reassuring': Official - Health
Egypt's animal health situation remains 'stable and reassuring' despite the regional spread of epidemic and transboundary diseases, Hamed El-Aknes, head of the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS), said on Sunday. His reassurance follows reports of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), including its SAT 1 strain, in Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Turkey. FMD is a highly contagious virus affecting cattle, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. El-Aknes confirmed Egypt has ample stocks of vaccines and treatments, with nationwide immunisation campaigns underway to safeguard livestock and support small farmers. Authorities are also maintaining strict checks at veterinary quarantine points and ports to monitor animal imports and livestock trade, he added, stressing adherence to approved quarantine measures. The GOVS, which is affiliated with the Egyptian agricultural ministry, has also bolstered lab capacity to detect virus strains and expanded its strategic vaccine reserves as part of a proactive plan, he added. The plan also includes public awareness campaigns to educate farmers on disease prevention and early reporting. El-Aknes urged farmers—calling them the "first line of defence"—to report suspected cases, follow vaccination schedules, and implement biosecurity measures. Suspected infections can be reported via the hotline 19561. According to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. The disease has serious economic impacts as it disrupts livestock production and trade. The SAT 1 strain is one of seven distinct FMD virus serotypes, each requiring a specific vaccine, and is classified as a transboundary animal disease due to its potential to spread rapidly across borders. SAT 1 cases have been reported in Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Turkey, based on data from global reference laboratories and the WOAH. The GOVS has since declared a state of maximum alert and activated early warning and precautionary measures to protect Egypt's livestock from FMD and the SAT 1 strain. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
IDCS Highlights Preparations for Safe, Free Eid al-Adha Slaughter Services
Ahmed Emam As Eid al-Adha approaches, Egypt's Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDCS) has highlighted intensive preparations by the General Authority for Veterinary Services (GAVS) under the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure free and safe sacrificial slaughter services that comply with both religious and health regulations. In a series of video interviews released by the center, Dr. Hamed Moussa El-Aknes, Chairman of the GAVS, emphasized the comprehensive readiness of public abattoirs across all governorates. According to GAVS, these facilities have been fully equipped, with repaired slaughter tools, adequate sanitizers, and essential supplies. Moreover, veterinary teams have been reinforced to supervise slaughter operations and ensure that all procedures are carried out safely and in full compliance with health and religious standards. Dr. El-Aknes announced that a state of emergency was declared in the days leading up to the holiday, noting that this crucial measure, in coordination with the Animal Inspection Department, is designed to enhance market surveillance and prevent unregulated slaughter outside licensed abattoirs—a key step in protecting public health and meat safety. A notable highlight of the preparations is the full coordination with governors to offer free-of-charge slaughter services at government facilities. This initiative aims to promote safe, supervised slaughter practices and eliminate the risks associated with unregulated home slaughtering, which often poses health and environmental hazards. The GAVS head stressed the importance of adhering to religious criteria when selecting sacrificial animals. He advised citizens to ensure that their animals are healthy, active, and physically sound, with clear eyes and shiny coats—important indicators for religious acceptability and overall meat quality. Dr. El-Aknes urged citizens to utilize the free public slaughterhouses, describing this as a critical measure to prevent the spread of diseases, preserve the environment, and uphold religious and veterinary standards. He also called on the public to be vigilant in choosing their animals, ensuring they meet all necessary health and religious conditions, so that this important religious rite is fulfilled with dignity, safety, and respect for its spiritual and communal values. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
