No vet, no permit, no market, Govt warns unauthorised livestock hubs ahead of festival pose disease and security risks. Festival livestock warning: unauthorised markets risk disease, pollution and shutdown, Veterinary Services says comply or else.
The Veterinary Services Department under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has raised concerns about the spread of unauthorised temporary livestock markets ahead of the upcoming Islamic festival, warning that they pose serious public health, environmental, and security risks. It said many of these open-space markets operate without veterinary inspection, sanitation systems, biosecurity measures, or proper authorisation, increasing the risk of animal disease transmission, pollution, and safety challenges. While acknowledging the festival’s religious and cultural significance, the Department stressed that all livestock trading must comply with veterinary and sanitation regulations under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1961 (Act 83). It further directed that all temporary markets be dismantled after the celebrations and warned that violations would attract enforcement actions such as closure of illegal markets, possible confiscation of animals, and sanctions, while calling on local authorities, security agencies, traditional leaders, traders, and the public to support compliance and protect public health and the environment.
