Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has inspected ministry's veterinary quarantine at Sharjah International Airport as part of his visits to UAE border port crossings, livestock markets and abattoirs ahead of the Eid Al Adha.

Sultan Alwan Al Habsi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Regions Sector, Dr. Saad Al Numeiri, Advisor to the minister and Dr. Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Animal Health and Department Development at the ministry were accompanying him.

The delegation was received by Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah International Airport Authority, and a number of airport officials.

During his visit, Al Zeyoudi said, "This visit is to ensure that the crossings are implementing the inspection regulations that pertain to the importation of live animals, guarantee meeting the needs of the local livestock market and achieve one of ministry's strategic objectives to promote food safety."

He pointed out the importance of providing services to the clients and speeding up procedures by increasing the number of veterinary quarantine doctors and technicians of veterinary laboratories and extending working hours for Eid Al Adha.

Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, praised the efforts exerted by the ministry to ensure the provision of safe and healthy food to consumers in the country. He said that Sharjah International Airport is well-equipped with all the facilities to provide the necessary services and arrangements for receiving livestock consignments.

The veterinary quarantine at Sharjah International Airport received 16,331 goats and 338 sheep in July. Similarly a consignment of 24,307 goats and 5,448 sheep entered the country in August. The airport is expected to receive more than 23,000 goats and sheep for the Eid Al Adha.

Source: Wam