SHANGLA: The livestock department has launched a public awareness campaign against Congo fever saying the drive will continue until Eidul Azha.
The launching ceremony was held in Alpuri area under the ADP scheme ‘control of the livestock diseases of economic importance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’.
The ceremony was attended by Shangla livestock director Dr Hazrat Hadi, official Dr Shaukat Hayat and cattle farmers.
Dr Hazrat Hadi said the Congo fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, was a deadly cattle disease caused by tick-borne virus.
He said the disease spread due to the people’s close contact with animals, frequent cattle movement ahead of Eidul Azha and the establishment of animal sale points in populated areas.
The official said there was need for creating awareness of Congo fever, especially its causes and prevention and control.
He said precautionary measures against the disease should be adopted by the livestock workers, butchers and animal handlers, while and the livestock department should make arrangements to counter the threat of the disease’s outbreak.
Dr Shaukat Hayat said all available resources were being used to protect livestock and people against Congo fever.
He said the livestock department had held campaigns to educate people and cattle farmers about Congo fever, especially its prevention through anti-tick spray, injections and medicines.
The official said three points would be established on the district’s main entry and exit points, including Shangla Top, Dandai and Jambal areas for spraying and medicating animals entering the district.
