Latest news with #PAAAFR
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Over 8,000 Cows Infected with Foot-and-Mouth in Kuwait; Milk Output Drops 75%
KUWAIT CITY, May 7: Director General of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Eng. Salem Al-Hai revealed that the number of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases among cows in 31 out of the 44 cow farms in Sulaibiya — from April 6 to May 5 — reached around 8,000, hence, the remarkable decline in fresh milk production from 250,000 liters per day to less than 100,000 liters or about 75 percent decline. Al-Hai told the daily that 952 cows have recovered from the disease, while 71 died, explaining that FMD is an organic disease which is also considered an economic disease as it affects the meat and dairy industries of a country. He stressed the need to strengthen the immune system of cows, as well as the biosecurity of farms and agricultural plots, to ensure adequate protection against the disease. He affirmed that vaccines for the disease will arrive within two weeks, according to the supplier, which will contribute to curbing the spread of FMD and gradually restore milk production levels in the country. He emphasized the need to adhere to the rule on limiting animal movement, whether through sale or donation, until the epidemiological situation in Sulaibiya stabilizes. He called on workers in cattle farms to strictly comply with sanitation and sterilization procedures, such as sterilizing milking equipment, milking tools and milking sites, in addition to training workers and raising their awareness on preventive measures. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Union of Fresh Dairy Companies Abdulhakim Al-Ahmad said cow farms are experiencing a major crisis due to the delayed arrival of FMD vaccines. He pointed out that losses are huge and farm owners have started selling their cows for as low as KD150; compared to the import price of KD1,500 per cow from Europe and KD1,000 for those imported from Australia. He stated that the spread of mastitis among cows has exacerbated their health condition and reduced milk production, indicating that in light of these developments, the union, PAAAFR and other concerned authorities must quickly support the affected farms and consider the import of vaccines an urgent matter.
Arab Times
28-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait Beef Demand Remains Strong Despite Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak
KUWAIT CITY, April 28: With the emergence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases in many Kuwaiti farms, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has reassured the public that it continues to control the disease, stressing that eating beef does not transmit the infection to humans. The staff of the newspaper visited the meat market in Shuwaikh Industrial Area, where it was observed that meat sales continued normally. Several butcher shop officials confirmed that sales of beef from Kuwaiti farms are proceeding at normal rates and have not been affected at all by the FMD cases in some farms. Several consumers at the butcher shops said they could not do without beef, especially since the PAAAFR reassured everyone that FMD is not transmitted to humans through meat consumption. Hamoud Al-Enezi, a citizen, pointed out that the disease is not unique to Kuwait, as it is also prevalent in many countries that raise cattle and livestock. 'Therefore, there is no cause for panic over the discovery of FMD cases in the country, especially since the responsible authorities are performing their duties to the best of their ability, as they are primarily concerned with human health. I did not stop purchasing meat,' he asserted. Another citizen, Ibrahim Al-Rashidi, revealed he did not completely refrain from purchasing meat despite the discovery of FMD cases in some local farms. He buys only from the branches of meat companies with a good reputation in the market and maintains normal rates. Butcher shop manager Alaa Sadiq confirmed that beef sales are continuing at a normal rate despite the discovery of FMD cases, indicating that the price of a kilogram of beef from Kuwaiti farms starts at KD 3. He said Kuwaitis prefer this beef over other types of meat, and most expatriates order meat from Kuwaiti farms only because their products are fresh. Meat shop manager Khaled Al-Sheikh Ali said meat sales have not been significantly affected by the FMD outbreak in some farms. 'Things are proceeding well, especially since the regulatory authorities are doing their job to the fullest, up to the point of closing any shop that sells meat unfit for consumption,' he revealed. Butcher Baroudi Abdullatif said the impact the disease on meat sales is very minor, hoping for a boost in sales in the coming period. Butcher Tariq Abu Jabal asserted that Kuwaiti meat is among the finest in the market, so most consumers prefer it. He pointed out that government authorities have reassured consumers about the quality of meat in the market, particularly since the FMD cases are limited to certain farms. He said the company he works for sells only good-quality meat. Butcher Adel Imam stated that he sells beef and other types of meat normally, and that sales have not been affected by the FMD outbreak.
Arab Times
23-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Affects 1,400 Cattle on 10 Kuwait Farms
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: Following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases among cattle on several farms, the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has assured both citizens and residents that consuming meat or milk from infected cows poses no risk to human health. Salem Al-Hai, Director General of the Authority, emphasized that PAAAFR is fully committed to containing the spread of the disease. 'The Authority is working tirelessly, mobilizing all available resources and medical teams to respond swiftly to the outbreak,' he said. He added that efforts are underway to expedite the importation of the necessary vaccines, which are expected to arrive by early May. Al-Hai explained that, according to scientific research and medical reports, FMD does not affect the health of those who consume meat or dairy products from infected animals. 'There is no cause for concern. Meat and dairy from affected animals are safe for consumption,' he affirmed. He clarified that FMD is an economic disease primarily impacting livestock productivity, particularly by reducing milk output. The infection typically affects the mouth and hooves of animals and is most common in cattle, though it can also impact sheep and goats to a lesser extent. During an awareness seminar hosted by the Authority, Dr. Khaled Al-Fayez confirmed that the outbreak is currently under control. He revealed that the first case was identified on April 7 at a farm in Sulaibiya. Since then, the infection has spread to 10 out of 44 farms, with approximately 1,400 cows infected out of a total cattle population of 23,000 in Kuwait.
Arab Times
21-04-2025
- Arab Times
PAAAFR cracks down on Illegal camel grazing along Kabd Road
KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has announced that it has identified several camel herders violating the law by allowing their camel to graze in areas outside the designated zones along Kabd Road, from Al-Farda Roundabout to the Police Station Roundabout, as well as adjacent roads. PAAAFR explained that such behavior threatens the safety of both citizens and road users, and necessary legal actions were taken against the violators. They were made to sign pledges not to repeat the offense and to fully comply with the designated grazing areas, under Law No. 41/1988 on livestock grazing, and the decision of the Municipal Affairs Committee regarding the allocation of grazing areas. The permitted grazing areas extend from Abdali in the north, along the western side of Abdali Road, merging into Al-Salmi Road, and continue south to the Wafra area and the southern international border. The authority affirmed that prohibited areas, such as oil fields, pipeline routes, military bases, army installations, residential areas, and agricultural beautification projects, must be avoided.
