Animal surveillance system implemented in Pindi

RAWALPINDI: The Livestock Department has put in place a monitoring mechanism across Rawalpindi division to help ensure that animals brought for sale ahead of Eidul Azha are free of disease.

Under the plan, nine check-posts have been established at entry points in the division, where animals being transported to cattle markets will be inspected by livestock teams. Animals found to be diseased will be moved to quarantine facilities, according to details.

The arrangements have been introduced as cattle markets in the division begin operating for the Eid season. Officials said six cattle markets across Rawalpindi division became functional on a round-the-clock basis from May 16 for Eidul Azha.

Check-posts established across division

According to the details, the nine check-posts have been set up to examine animals being brought into cattle markets, including Bhata Ground, described as the largest cattle market in the twin cities.

Of the total check-posts, one has been established in Murree, three in Rawalpindi, four in Attock and one in Jhelum.

The screening process is aimed at checking the health condition of animals before they enter sale points and markets set up for Eid-related trading. Livestock teams will carry out the inspections at the designated entry points, while animals entering cattle markets will also undergo screening under the department’s plan.

Markets and sale points operational

Alongside the six approved cattle markets, authorities have also set up eight sale points in Rawalpindi Bhata Ground, Kallar Syedan, Kahuta, Taxila and other locations in the division.

The measures come as livestock trading activity gathers pace ahead of Eidul Azha, with markets operating continuously to accommodate the inflow of sacrificial animals.

The department’s plan covers both the formal cattle markets and the designated sale points, with inspections focused on preventing diseased animals from being offered for sale. Under the system, animals identified as unhealthy during checks will not remain in the general market area and will instead be shifted to quarantine facilities.

Bhata Ground has been included among the key locations under the monitoring arrangement, with the department specifically extending inspections to animals arriving there. The market is one of the major centres for Eid animal trade in the Rawalpindi-Islamabad area.

The monitoring plan, the establishment of check-posts and the quarantine arrangement form part of the Livestock Department’s preparations for Eidul Azha in Rawalpindi division, where approved markets and sale points are now operating around the clock.