Latest news with #SalemAl-Hai
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
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
23-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Confirmed in Kuwait; Vaccine Imports Still Pending
KUWAIT CITY, April 23: Engineer Salem Al-Hai, Director General of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, announced the detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Kuwait. Symptoms of the disease were observed in several cattle farms, and following laboratory tests conducted by the Authority, the infection was confirmed. Additional samples have been sent to international reference laboratories for further verification. Al-Hai reassured livestock farmers, emphasizing that the Authority is taking swift and comprehensive action to contain the outbreak. He stated that all available resources and medical personnel are being mobilized to control the disease and accelerate the import of vaccines. Medical reports confirm that foot-and-mouth disease does not pose any risk to the health of consumers. Meat and dairy products from affected animals remain safe for consumption. The Authority explained that FMD is primarily an economic disease, significantly impacting milk production and causing painful lesions in the mouth and hooves of animals. It mainly affects cattle, and to a lesser extent, sheep and goats. The Authority urged farmers to adopt all necessary preventive measures, strengthen herd immunity, and follow established biosecurity protocols to protect livestock and prevent further spread of the disease.
