Latest news with #LivestockDepartment
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Quack vets thrive during Eid season
With Eid-ul-Adha just around the corner, a large influx of sacrificial animals is arriving in markets across the port city — yet no arrangements have been made to examine their health, leaving ample room for quacks posing as vets to mishandle their ailments. Every year, quack veterinary clinics are set up across different areas of the city for treating sick sacrificial animals. With no system for diagnosing animal diseases, sick animals are treated on the basis of their symptoms and are administered unnecessary antibiotic injections without proper testing which not only puts their own life at risk but also imperils the health of the people consuming their meat. Furthermore, Karachi is simultaneously facing a shortage of veterinary doctors ahead of the religious festival. According to Director Veterinary Livestock Dr Hizbullah Bhutto, every year on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, illegal quack clinics with no certified veterinarians start treating sacrificial animals. "Due to the large-scale movement of animals from one province to another, the possibility of an outbreak is obvious. Only 990 veterinary doctors are available across the province while so far 1.5 to 1.7 million sacrificial animals have been brought to Karachi alone," revealed Dr Bhutto. Veterinary expert, Dr Irshad Abbasi confirmed the operation of quack vet clinics across Sindh before Eid- ul-Adha. "The common man is unaware that these clinics do not have a certified veterinary doctor. It has been observed that the same type of cheap antibiotic is administered to all animals, which can be lethal. In the current season, diseases including foot and mouth disease are common among animals," explained Dr Abbasi. Reportedly, this year, quack clinics are charging a fee of Rs1,000 for checking an animal. However, no institution, including the Livestock Department, has been able to verify these clinics. Moreover, there is no mechanism for registering and identifying animals brought into livestock markets, which are neither vaccinated nor given healthy feed. "Animals brought on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha are not vaccinated since they are only present temporarily. Taking action against quacks is the responsibility of the district administration while the registration of animals brought into Karachi is the responsibility of the municipal administration, which collects a tax of Rs600. The Livestock Department is tasked with checking sick animals upon receiving information," confirmed Dr Bhutto, who further added that 10 camps had been set up at the border of Punjab and Balochistan for animal check-ups. On the other hand, Dr Abbasi felt that buyers too should play a proactive role in assessing the health of the animal they intended to purchase. "The purchase of sacrificial animals should be done in daylight so that the hooves and mouth of the animal can be checked. Furthermore, the animal should also be examined for signs of lethargy and swelling. Moreover, people visiting the cattle market should wear light-coloured, full-sleeved clothes to protect against insects attached to the animal's body," advised Dr Abbasi. Speaking of the role of citizens, on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha it is often seen that people slaughtering animals on the streets fail to clean the place afterwards due to which various bacteria grow rapidly in the blood left clotting on the ground. Later on, the stench emanating from the animal carcasses further contaminates Karachi's already polluted air. Spokesperson to the Commissioner of Karachi, Ghulam Muhammad Khan claimed that strict action will be taken against quack clinics set up for checking sacrificial animals. "The public should report these quack clinics by contacting the Commissioner's Office."
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Congo virus screening begins in cattle markets
The Livestock Department has decided to set up veterinary health camps at all 12 livestock markets operating in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the detection and prevention of the Congo virus during the upcoming Eidul Azha season. These camps will be staffed with veterinary doctors and support personnel. The deployment of veterinary teams will begin from May 25 at the main cattle market in Bhatta Chowk. The teams will examine all types of sacrificial animalscamels, cows, calves, bulls, sheep, and goats. Weak, malnourished, or sick animals will be removed from the markets and barred from being sold. In addition to health screenings, the veterinary staff will provide on-site treatment for animals that fall ill due to heat or other conditions while at the markets. The department has already started forming dedicated medical teams for this purpose. Livestock officers will personally inspect all animals brought into the markets. Any animal showing signs of diseaseincluding ticks or symptoms of Congo viruswill not be allowed to be sold. Buyers can also request a health certificate for animals they purchase, confirming the animal's good health. Strict action will be taken against vendors attempting to sell sick or undernourished animals despite warnings. According to Director of Agriculture Shahid Iftikhar, the department is establishing health stalls across all markets in the district. The sale of any sick or Congo virus-infected animals is strictly prohibited. The main cattle market at Bhatta Chowk has now been formally inaugurated, and the arrival of animals has begun, although only in limited numbers. More animals are expected to arrive in the coming 8 to 10 days. Public turnout at the markets is also gradually increasing.
Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Bhatta Chowk cattle market opens today
The main cattle market for sacrificial animals at Bhatta Chowk, serving the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, officially opens Friday (today). Situated at the confluence of the two cities, the market has already received two trailers filled with sacrificial animals. Entry fees have been set at Rs3,000 for large animals and Rs2,000 for smaller ones. From Sunday, May 18 onwards, more trailers and trucks carrying livestock are expected to arrive, marking the beginning of the market's peak activity and the formal start of buying and selling. Space allotments for livestock traders have begun, and preparations are underway for fodder stalls, animal grooming services, temporary eateries, tea stalls, and beverage vendors. A sizable area next to the market has been designated for parking vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers. Temporary electricity and water connections for stalls and animal enclosures have also been made available. Water for drinking and bathing the animals will be sold at Rs3,000 per tanker. Tents and shades have started arriving in large numbers to provide shelter, and installation will begin today. Though the number of animals is still limited, the market is now officially open to the public. Weighing stations are being set up where animals will be sold based on weight, with prices aligned with the local meat market rates. In addition, various organisations, NGOs, and religious groups have launched online Qurbani services. Customers can now book their share of a sacrificial animal online. A share in a large animal such as a cow or bull is priced at Rs40,000 for approximately 1516 kg of meat, and Rs38,000 for 14 kg. A small animal costing Rs70,000 yields around 15-16 kg of meat. While Bhata Cattle Market begins operations today, it is expected to see a major influx of buyers closer to payday. To mark the opening, traditional drum performances have been arranged, and the event is open to all, including citizens and butchers. Following today's inauguration, additional livestock markets in Chungi No 22, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, Dhok Syedan, High Court back area, and Rawat will also become operational by Sunday. Traders from all over the country will bring sacrificial animals for sale in these markets. The business activities at these markets will also benefit various stakeholders, including government departments, transporters, service stations, hotels, and fodder sellers. The animals brought for sale in these markets will be examined by a team of doctors and support staff from the Livestock Department to ensure they are healthy and fit for sale. Sick animals will not be allowed to be sold in the markets.
Business Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Business Times
Thailand reports first anthrax death in decades, hundreds potentially exposed
[BANGKOK] Thailand has reported its first anthrax-related death in decades with two infections nationwide, prompting a public health alert after authorities identified hundreds potentially exposed to the deadly bacteria, officials said on Thursday (May 1). A 53-year-old man in Mukdahan province, in northeastern Thailand near the border with Laos, died on Wednesday after contracting anthrax, the government said, with a second case confirmed in the same province and three additional suspected cases under investigation. Authorities have identified at least 638 people as being potentially exposed after eating raw meat. Among them, 36 had participated in butchering livestock while the rest had consumed raw or undercooked beef, health officials said. All are receiving antibiotics as part of containment measures. 'All individuals who may have been in contact with infected meat are being monitored,' the health ministry said. The Livestock Department is overseeing containment efforts in the affected area, including a 5-km quarantine zone around the infection site, the agriculture ministry said. There are plans to vaccinate 1,222 cattle, though no animals have shown signs of illness or unexplained death, it added. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Anthrax is a rare but serious disease caused by bacteria often transmitted through contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated meat. It is not spread person-to-person. Thailand last reported human anthrax cases in 2017, when two people were infected without fatalities. In 2000, 15 cases were recorded, also without deaths. Wednesday's death was the first anthrax fatality in Thailand since 1994 when three died and follows a rise in regional infections. Laos reported 129 anthrax infections last year, including one death, while Vietnam confirmed 13 cases in May 2023. Thai authorities are continuing investigations into the source of the infection and said they would maintain heightened surveillance in border areas. REUTERS
Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Thailand reports first anthrax death in decades, hundreds potentially exposed
The authorities have identified at least 638 people as potentially exposed after eating raw meat. PHOTO: UNSPLASH BANGKOK – Thailand has reported its first anthrax-related death in decades with two infections nationwide, prompting a public health alert after the authorities identified hundreds potentially exposed to the deadly bacteria, officials said on May 1. A 53-year-old man in Mukdahan province in north-eastern Thailand, near the border with Laos, died on April 30 after contracting anthrax, the government said, with a second case confirmed in the same province and three additional suspected cases under investigation. The authorities have identified at least 638 people as potentially exposed after eating raw meat. Among them, 36 had participated in butchering livestock while the rest had consumed raw or undercooked beef, health officials said. All are receiving antibiotics as part of containment measures. 'All individuals who may have been in contact with infected meat are being monitored,' the Health Ministry said. The Livestock Department is overseeing containment efforts in the affected area, including a 5km quarantine zone around the infection site, the Agriculture Ministry said. There are plans to vaccinate 1,222 cattle, though no animals have shown signs of illness or unexplained death, it added. Anthrax is a rare but serious disease caused by bacteria often transmitted through contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated meat. It is not spread person-to-person. Thailand last reported human anthrax cases in 2017, when two people were infected but did not die . In 2000, 15 cases were recorded, also without deaths. The April 30 death was the first anthrax death in Thailand since 1994 when three people died, and follows a rise in regional infections. Laos reported 129 anthrax infections in 2024, including one death, while Vietnam confirmed 13 cases in May 2023. Thai authorities are continuing investigations into the source of the infection and said they would maintain heightened surveillance in border areas. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
