Rawalpindi steps up Congo virus precautions

RAWALPINDI: With Eidul Azha approaching, the Rawalpindi district administration has completed special arrangements aimed at reducing the risk of Congo virus transmission, tightening oversight of cattle markets, screening sacrificial animals and ensuring safer conditions for the public.

Officials have decided to set up 12 temporary cattle check posts in Rawalpindi as part of the preventive plan. The move comes amid recurring concerns linked to the heavy movement of sacrificial animals, the operation of cattle markets and open sale points during the Eid period.

An important meeting chaired by the Commissioner Rawalpindi reviewed preparations for official cattle markets, sale points, sanitation, security, traffic control and disease prevention measures for Eidul Azha 2026. During the meeting, it was decided that six official cattle markets would be established across Rawalpindi Division and would operate around the clock from May 16 until Eidul Azha.

Official cattle markets across division

According to the administration, three major cattle markets will be established in Attock. These will be located at Main Peshawar Road Attock, Pindigheb Road and near the CPEC Link Road close to Civil Hospital.

In Chakwal, official markets will be set up at Rawalpindi Road Chak Naurang Stop and on the Mianwali Road bypass in Talagang. In Rawalpindi, a cattle market will be established at Kallar Syedan Mangal Bypass.

Authorities said the livestock, veterinary, district administration, police and municipal departments have all been placed on high alert in view of the expected influx of animals and the associated health risks.

Screening, spraying and veterinary presence made mandatory

Officials said stricter arrangements were under consideration this year than in previous years to curb the spread of Congo virus. Special teams from the livestock department will set up temporary cattle check posts at city entry points.

Twelve cattle check posts will be established at different locations in Rawalpindi, where animals will be examined and any suspected or sick animals will be separated without delay. Preventive spraying and vaccination of animals will also continue.

Officials said ticks found on animals during the Eid period could become a major source of Congo virus transmission. In response, disinfectant spraying, medical examination of animals and the deployment of veterinary staff at cattle markets have been made mandatory.

Designated sale points notified

The district administration has also notified eight designated sale points in Rawalpindi where animal trading will be permitted. These include Bhatta Chowk Mouza Sheikhpur, Mouza Ranial Chakri Road, a plot near Rawat GT Road, Gujar Khan Galyana Road, Wah Cantt Sharif Hospital Stop, HIT Timber Market Road, Kallar Syedan Bypass Chowk and Kahuta Sakhi Sabzwari Tangi Road.

The arrangements are part of a broader effort by the administration to regulate animal movement and market activity during Eidul Azha while maintaining disease surveillance and public safety measures across the division.