KARACHI: Metropolitan Commissioner of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Dr Syed Saif-ur-Rehman directed the veterinary department of the municipal utility to issue health certificates for sacrificial animals being brought to the city at the National Highway, Superhighway and RCD Highway after examining them.

According to official sources, the municipal commissioner gave the directions while chairing a meeting of heads of KMC’s different departments.

He also directed the veterinary department to submit a full report on all poultry and meat shops in the city.

Sources added that Dr Rehman also directed the department concerned to ensure implementation of his earlier directives regarding hygiene in slaughterhouses so that people would get hygienic meat.

They said that the municipal commissioner also sought a detailed report regarding the rent received from KMC’s shops. Departmental heads were also directed to start planting trees in the city along with their staff.

The departments concerned have been directed to also take action against illegal nurseries in different parts of the city.

Advisory on Congo virus

Meanwhile, the municipal commissioner directed the veterinary and the health and medical services department of KMC to ensure awareness among citizens on the prevention of Congo virus before and during Eidul Azha. He asked the KMC officials to carry out proper fumigation in cattle markets to save people from germs.

Dr Rehman said that citizens should cover their face and hands during their visit to cattle markets and wear light-coloured clothes with full sleeves, so that any tick could be noticed.

He said gloves should also be worn while inspecting and slaughtering the sacrificial animals.

The municipal commissioner advised people to avoid eating and drinking during visits to cattle markets.

People were also advised not to squeeze any tick with their bare hands as its infected blood could cause Congo virus.

He said butchers should also use gloves while slaughtering sacrificial animals and people should wash hands after having come in contact with animals and their blood.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2018