MOCCAE Ensures Health of Sacrificial Animals with Advanced Resources and Skilled Personnel for Eid Al Adha

Healthcare

MOCCAE Ensures Health of Sacrificial Animals with Advanced Resources and Skilled Personnel for Eid Al Adha

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan to guarantee the health and safety of sacrificial animals during the Eid Al Adha season. The plan includes the deployment of advanced technical and diagnostic resources and specialized personnel to inspect animals, ensuring they are healthy and disease-free. The Ministry is also enforcing strict procedures and regulations to control the entry of sacrificial and live animals through the UAE's ports.

This announcement was made during an inspection campaign led by His Excellency Marwan Abdullah Al Zaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regions Sector at MOCCAE. The campaign covered several key locations, including the Al Hamriya Port Centre for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine, the Dubai cattle market, the Dubai Abattoir, and the Sharjah Airport Centre for Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine. Inspections were also conducted in Abu Dhabi, and the northern and eastern regions.

HE Marwan Al Zaabi emphasized the Ministry's integrated plan to ensure national food security and the safety of food supplies in preparation for Eid Al Adha. "Our strategy aims to enhance control and inspection procedures, ensuring the safety of sacrificial animals and those prepared for consumption. We adhere to the highest international standards and implement rigorous veterinary quarantine procedures to safeguard public health and livestock safety in the UAE," said Al Zaabi.

He further explained, "We inspect slaughterhouses and livestock facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations. At UAE borders, we implement necessary procedures for the entry of sacrificial and live animals through a sophisticated coordination mechanism, especially during Eid Al Adha. This year, there has been a significant increase in livestock imports to meet the demand for sacrificial animals."

MOCCAE reported that from the beginning of 2024 until June, 592,577 heads of sheep, goats, cows, and camels have entered the UAE through various ports. This marks a 66.7% increase from the same period last year. All animals underwent veterinary quarantine procedures and clinical and laboratory examinations to ensure they were free of infectious and epidemic diseases.

The Ministry has established a proactive system to manage the increased influx and trading of live animals in the UAE during Eid Al Adha. This includes extending operational hours within veterinary quarantine centres, increasing the number of veterinarians and laboratory technicians, and ensuring an adequate supply of laboratory testing materials. The Ministry has also implemented alternative procedures to expedite and streamline service delivery while maintaining high quality standards.

MOCCAE remains committed to implementing policies, regulations, and health standards that align with global norms. This dedication ensures the seamless movement of healthy livestock and the prevention of animal disease outbreaks, safeguarding the well-being of the community.