Meat traders Assn calls for lifting ban on import of cattle

PANJIM: The Quraishi’s Meat Traders’ Association of Goa has appealed to the State government to lift the ban on transportation of cattle and buffaloes from neighbouring States to the Goa Meat Complex, Usgao for slaughtering.

In a letter submitted to Animal husbandry and Veterinary Services Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, Association president Manna Bepari said the orders issued by both the District Magistrates dated September 23, 2022, be lifted or modified to transport buffaloes to the Goa Meat Complex, Usgao for slaughter from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka, subject to such compliances and restrictions.

Both the District Collectors vide orders dated September 23, 2022 had banned transportation of cattle and buffaloes to Goa from neighbouring States, either directly or indirectly on account of purported break of lumpy skin disease.

Bepari said the imposition of ban of transportation of buffaloes has jeopardised the livelihood of beef traders in the State. He said the tourist season has already commenced while, Christmas and New Year is also fast approaching and if the government fails to lift the ban then it will not only result in meat shortage but it will also become expensive.

Bepari urged the government to permit transport of buffaloes to the Goa Meat Complex from neighbouring States for slaughter in accordance with law.

When contacted, Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said the government will soon consider lifting the ban on transportation of cattle and buffaloes from neighbouring States. 

He said, “The ban was imposed as a preventive measure since the government did not want to take any risk of lumpy skin disease to cattle. But we will now consider lifting the ban since cases of lumpy skin disease have declined in the State.” 

Meanwhile, sources told Herald that so far 15 cases of lumpy skin disease were reported in Ponda and Dharbandora talukas and all infected animals recovered and there were no deaths. 

They further stated that transportation of buffaloes from neighbouring States to Goa Meat Complex can be permitted as it was point-to-point and there was no chance of these animals coming in contact with other animals.     

It is learnt that following the lifting of ban by neighbouring States, the Animal Husbandry Department had moved the file for lifting the ban and it is pending with the government.