Lahore, A significant meeting was convened at the Livestock and Dairy Development Department under the leadership of Punjab Agriculture and Livestock Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani to review and strengthen preventive measures against the Congo virus in Punjab. The session focused on comprehensive strategies to control the spread of the virus, which affects both animals and humans, and to maintain livestock health across the province.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Secretary Livestock and Dairy Development Punjab Masood Anwar, along with Directors General Dr. Asif Salman Sahi and Dr. Asif Rafique, attended the meeting where detailed presentations were given on the current preventive strategies against the Congo virus. The strategies include the establishment of 18 inter-provincial check posts for anti-tick sprays on animals and vehicles, and the operation of a toll-free livestock helpline available around the clock. Additionally, an aggressive awareness campaign utilizing social media, FM radio, and educational programs in schools and among farmers has been deployed to educate on tick control and disease prevention.
The measures have been actively monitored, and an advisory for tick control has been issued to reinforce the precautions. Results so far include anti-tick spray treatments on 6,177 animals, treatment of 42 animals, and spraying of 357 vehicles in the Attock district. Minister Kirmani emphasized the importance of inter-provincial cooperation and has reached out to Livestock Departments in KPK, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to adopt similar preventive measures.