UAE issues health warning on animal slaughter ahead of Eid Al Adha

Indiscriminate and illegal slaughter of sacrificial animals, whether at houses or by unauthorised street butchers, can pose health hazards and expose a person to the risks of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has warned. The warning comes with Eid Al Adha round the corner.

The ministry stressed that all slaughters should take place at the approved abattoirs, where requirements of health and safety are adhered to.

Dr Hussein Abdel Rahman Al Rand, undersecretary of the Ministry's Health Assistant Sector, Health Centers and Clinics, said the ministry aims to boost healthy behaviours while dealing with sacrificial animals, so that it prevents transmission of diseases, such as Crimean fever, between humans and animals.

Al Rand pointed out that rigorous system of MoHAP and epidemiological surveillance of health authorities, apart from the precision of laboratory diagnosis, have helped check the acute haemorrhagic fever over the past years.

Dr Fatima Al Attar, director of International Health Regulations and Pandemic Control Office, cautioned against violating the heath and safety standards while slaughtering sacrificial animals. She added that such type of illegal slaughtering can lead to quick spoilage of sacrificial animals, in the absence of veterinary supervision, high temperature, exposure to external pollutants and proliferation of fly, insects and rodents due to the unsafe disposal of slaughter residues.

She pointed out Crimean fever is transmitted to humans through a tick bite, or direct contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals during or immediately after slaughter. Also, the virus is transmitted from one person to another, owing to the direct contact with the person's blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids, she pointed out.

Crimean fever symptoms include fever, muscle pain, dizziness, neck pain, stiffness, back pain, headache, eye inflammation and sensitivity to light. Symptoms that may appear at the beginning of the disease are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and sore throat.

Al Attar emphasised the importance of visiting health authorities and notifying them in the event of the onset of symptoms within two weeks of exposure to pathogens.

What's Crimean fever

The Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever is classified within the list of priority diseases. In case of being affected by this virus, it should be reported within 24 hours, so that a rapid intervention for epidemiological surveillance can be undertaken by the relevant authorities.

Symptoms

Fever, muscle pain, dizziness, neck pain, stiffness, back pain, headache, eye inflammation and sensitivity to light. Early symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and sore throat.