Provincial Minister for Livestock & Dairy Development Ibrahim Hasan Murad directed High ups of the Livestock department to take emergency measures to control Congo Fever (CCHF) Punjab after reporting of increasing cases of CCHF in Balochistan. On the direction of the provincial Minister, the secretary Livestock Punjab chaired an online emergency meeting on operationalization of inter provincial check posts for control of tick borne diseases (congo fever) in Punjab. The Secretary conveyed directions of minister to ensure the presence of staff, availability of anti-tick spray, allied equipment, medicine & vaccines at the check-posts.
It was intimated during the meeting that CCHF cases have been reported in Balochistan province, therefore immediately operationalization of inter provincial check-posts across the Punjab. These check posts situated at Kot Sabzel, Dauwala (RY Khan), DG Khan Trimin(KPK Border), DG Khan Bawata,(Balochistan Border), Rajanpur Shah wali interchange Rojhan (Balochistan Sindh Border), Gujrat Kotla Arab Ali Khan, Bhakkar, Dajal, Mianwali, Chashma, Toba Bangi khel, Darra Tang, Rawalpindi Barian,Taxila, Phagwari, Attock Khurd, Hassanabdal, Jhanian chowk (Ghour Ghusti), Kushal Garh and Jhelum Dina. Furthermore, it is directed that SOPs regarding animal movement and tick control activities may be followed in true letter and spirit. “A daily progress report with pictorial evidence may be shared with this office on daily basis from today and no laxity will be tolerated in this regard” directed the secretary. Meanwhile the provincial Minister Livestock warned that Congo virus was found in one of the more than a hundred species and can spread from person to person. “Caution is mandatory, but there is nothing to panic as the Livestock Department is keeping the animals safe by ensuring implementation of SOPs”, said Mr. Murad.