LAHORE/GUJRAT: The livestock department has established 18 inter-provincial check posts to prevent the spread of Congo virus, which has claimed three lives in the last seven days.

Anti-tick spray will be conducted on animals and their vehicles as a preventive measure, especially on the eve of Eidul Azha when a large number of sacrificial animals move from one province to others.

Agriculture and Livestock Minister Ashiq Kirmani chaired a meeting on Wednesday, where it was announced that a toll-free helpline (08000-9211) is operational 24/7, and an awareness campaign is being carried out through social media, FM radio, and other means to inform animal handlers about the Congo virus.

Also, livestock authorities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir have been requested to take similar precautions. Anti-tick sprays have already been conducted in the Attock district.

Similarly, in Gujrat, the livestock department has established checkposts at entry and exit points of the district to prevent Congo fever among sacrificial animals and the public.

Special arrangements are being made at cattle markets to tackle the Congo fever or any other germs, and antiseptic spray will also be conducted in the markets.

Also, the local administration has announced that applications for permission to collect hides during Eid holidays will be received until June 10, and only registered organisations will be eligible to apply.

Successful applicants will be bound to not use loudspeaker or amplifiers for announcements and can only collect hides at designated points and make payments through cheques or bank accounts.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2024