In an effort to curb the spread of the Congo virus, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Livestock Department has taken decisive measures by banning the entry of animals lacking health certificates into the province. This proactive step aims to mitigate the risk of transmission during the upcoming Eidul Azha festival, a period traditionally associated with increased livestock movement.
Under this directive, Section 144 is set to be enforced in seven border districts of the province. Letters have been dispatched to the Deputy Commissioners of Nowshera, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Swabi, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, and Haripur, instructing them to enforce the prohibition on animals without health certificates entering their respective districts. Rigorous surveillance will be conducted at entry points, particularly those adjacent to Punjab, to intercept potentially infected animals.
The Livestock Department is adamant about ensuring compliance with these regulations, with district directors tasked to oversee the implementation of the ban. Stringent measures will be taken to scrutinize health certificates at entry points, and strict action will be taken against any violations.
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The urgency of these measures is underscored by recent developments, including the unfortunate demise of an 18-year-old patient infected with the Congo virus at Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) in Peshawar. This incident marks the first reported fatality from the virus in the province, following previous cases in Attock, Punjab.
The loss of Luqman, the patient from Charsadda district, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by the Congo virus. His symptoms, initially presenting as flu-like with a high fever, eventually led to his diagnosis and subsequent passing despite medical intervention.
The Livestock Department’s proactive stance and the enforcement of stringent measures are crucial steps in safeguarding public health and preventing further transmission of the Congo virus in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
