Cabinet turns down request for animal import

The cabinet has blocked the import of banned wildlife from Africa by turning down a proposal floated by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Sources told The Express Tribune that the food security ministry sought a one-off relaxation in the application of Pakistan Animal Quarantine Rules 1980 for the import of wildlife from Africa. However, a recent cabinet meeting dismissed the request. During discussion, the cabinet expressed concern over the import of wild animals from an African country from which the purchase of animals was prohibited owing to the risk of foot and mouth disease (FMD) making its way into the country, particularly when the virus strain could be different from the one existing in Pakistan, which may have serious consequences. In response, it was explained that the animals would be quarantined prior to their entry into Pakistan. However, it was felt that the risk should be addressed, especially when the existing quarantine procedures could not be completely relied upon.