UAE authorities step up livestock inspections ahead of Eid al Adha

UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has stepped up its inspections of inbound livestock, markets and abattoirs ahead of Eid al Adha.

State news agency WAM reported on Sunday (July 19) that MoCCAE has deployed higher numbers of veterinary quarantine doctors and laboratory technicians during this busy season.

WAM said the ministry has also extended working hours at border crossing laboratories to accommodate the increased number and volume of consignments, fast-track the examination process, and facilitate the safe release of livestock.

Inbound livestock are placed in quarantine once they arrive in the UAE while all documents and clinical and laboratory tests are done to ensure the animals are free of diseases.

Consignments that fail the tests remain in quarantine for treatment or are turned back to their country of origin, WAM reported citing MoCCAE.

UAE has imported 461,228 head of cattle so far in 2020, according to WAM.

Most recent data from the U.N.'s ITC Trade Map indicate that the UAE imported $114.96 million in live animals in 2018, down from $195.58 million in 2017. These figures include live horses and poultry. 

Oman ($32.14 million), India ($25.34 million), Australia ($13.23 million), Jordan ($7.62 million), and Saudi Arabia ($5.8 million) were its top trade partners for live animals. 

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