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UAE on Guard Against Blue Tongue Disease

DUBAI - The UAE government is taking active measures to see to it that the blue tongue disease originating in animals does not slip into the country, according to Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, UAE Minister of Environment and Water.

The ministry according to a resolution sets conditions for the import of live animals, sperm, ova, and embryos according to regulations laid down by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The resolution followed reports issued by the OIE following the appearance of the disease in live animals in some countries.

The resolution sets a series of health measures to allow the import of animals and their derivatives from permissible countries.

To obtain an import licence, the importer should submit a certificate from the supplier confirming compliance with OIE’s health standards stated in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

In case of import of live livestock, the animals should not be stung by the vector for a period not less than 28 days from the date of shipping.

Laboratory tests during that time on anti-bodies should return negative and that the animals should be immunised against the disease prior to export by at least 60 days.

The original certificates of imported shipment should be presented at the entry check point. The shipment will be subjected to all health requirements, quarantine measures and executive regulations of the animal welfare law.

Blue hairy tongue refers to a number of conditions of animals that cause the tongue to become unusually dark and/or hairy in appearance.