SHILLONG, June 29: The Khasi Jaintia Butcher Welfare Association (KJBWA) has requested the Syiem of Hima Khyrim, Balajied Syiem to allow veterinary doctors to test the cattle to be slaughtered for the sale of beef in the weekly market at Smit.
KJBWA president, Generous Warlarpih said they have reached out to the Syiem after the member-butchers from the Smit area wanted to ensure that the meat of the cattle to be slaughtered is safe for consumption.
The objective is to check the health of the cattle to be slaughtered, he said.
“We felt this is important, especially after the outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle in some areas. People no longer feel safe to have beef. We need to rebuild their confidence. This is possible only if they know that the meat they are going to consume has been properly tested,” Warlarpih said.
The sale of beef has been hit after the LSD cases came to light, he added.
The KJBWA president said they would like vets to visit the weekly markets across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region till the time the government is able to set up an abattoir in these areas.
He also said that the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has agreed to depute its doctors wherever needed.
“The Syiem of Hima Khyrim was positive to the association’s proposal. We expect an assurance from him after the meeting of the Himas on June 30,” Warlarpih said.
Meanwhile, the Butchers Association of Meghalaya (BAM) has decided to resume the sale of the meat from July 3 following a meeting of beef sellers of Shillong and adjoining areas.
“We took the decision as the government has managed to contain the spread of LSD,” BAM president Esron Marwein said.
Officials said the cases of LSD infection in cattle have gone down. The disease has killed 101 cattle.
“A total of 28,595 cattle have been vaccinated so far and the number of active LSD cases is 2,192,” a senior official said.
“More than 70% of infected animals recovered due to timely treatment. The recovery rate is high,” he said.
Data provided by the department say 5,588 of the 8,177 cattle infected by LSD recovered.
