Congo Virus: Livestock emergency imposed in Attock

RAWALPINDI: After the death of two patients of the Congo virus at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital Rawalpindi, the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department has imposed an emergency in Attock and other districts of the Rawalpindi division.

Commenting on the development, Livestock Director Rawalpindi Division Dr Naveeda Sehar Zaidi said a complete livestock emergency had been imposed in Attock and door-to-door animal examination and spraying were being carried out.

All internal checkpoints have been established to ensure the health and fitness of animals brought to the cattle markets for Eidul Azha, including the largest cattle market at Bhatta Ground in Rawalpindi.

Thirteen family members faint after eating toxic food in Kasur

Check posts have also been established at various locations, including Taxila, Gujar Khan, Kahuta, Rawat, GT Road, Pul Chhina, Sher Alam 2, Murree, and Wah Cantt to contain any spread of Congo Virus from Attock.

SOPs FOR VISITING CATTLE MARKETS

The livestock authorities have set up special camps and issued regular SOPs for citizens visiting the market to purchase sacrificial animals.

Sacrificial animals brought to the cattle markets in the Rawalpindi district and surrounding areas for Eid will be examined at every internal checkpoint by the livestock officials. Any animal found infected with the deadly virus, lumpy skin or any other disease will not be allowed to enter the market. Such animals will be transferred to isolation camps established separately. 

Citizens visiting the cattle markets to purchase sacrificial animals should wear light-coloured clothes, avoid touching the animals’ bodies, use masks, and not bring children to the markets.

The Congo virus is a dangerous virus that can spread from animals to humans and can even cause death.