Two cases of Congo Virus identified in Rawalpindi Division this month: Briefing
By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: A Zoom meeting on Congo Virus (disease) was held under the chairmanship of Minister for Livestock and Agriculture Punjab, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani. Livestock Secretary Punjab Ahmad Aziz Tarar also participated in the meeting.
On the occasion, Provincial Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said that the Congo virus is a fatal viral disease that transmits from animals to humans. To prevent its spread, the Livestock Department must ensure all precautionary measures and necessary actions. He directed the launch of anti-tick spray campaigns at inter-provincial check posts, hospitals, and dispensaries across the province.
He also instructed that Livestock Department staff be deployed on 24/7 duty and emphasized the importance of active monitoring. Orders were issued to establish livestock camps at inter-provincial borders to ensure no animal enters Punjab without being sprayed and checked. In case of emergency, sufficient stock of spraying medicine must be ensured.
The minister added that the government is following a zero-tolerance policy to prevent the spread of the disease. He also ordered awareness campaigns to be conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners in the border districts of Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Gujranwala divisions, along with the publication of precautionary advertisements in newspapers. Traceability will be ensured in all cattle markets of Punjab. A daily report on animal checking and spraying at all cattle markets should be sent to him.
The meeting also discussed the option of closing cattle markets for two weeks and conducting random sampling of animals.
In the briefing, the minister was informed that two cases of Congo virus were identified in Rawalpindi Division this month. One death due to the virus was reported in Hazro (Attock), while a patient is under treatment in Taxila, Rawalpindi. Neither case had a history of direct animal contact. An advisory has already been issued to all Deputy Commissioners and relevant departments. Fifteen inter-provincial and district-level screening check posts have been established. The tick-spray campaign for animals has begun. A 24/7 toll-free helpline (08000-9211) is operational for further guidance.
The minister was also informed that the Livestock Department has an adequate stock of all required medicines, Acericidal drugs, and spray machines. The Chief Executive Officer of the Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company has been briefed to take necessary measures.
Participants in the Zoom meeting included Additional Secretary (Technical) Dr. Usman Tahir, Director Generals of Extension and Research, Divisional Directors from Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Gujranwala, representatives from the Cattle Market Management and Development Company, and from the Commissioners’ offices of Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Gujranwala.
