SHILLONG, July 3: The Meghalaya Poultry Farmers and Welfare Association (MPF&WA) on Thursday demanded a complete ban on the entry of poultry into the state in view of an alleged breach of protocol concerning poultry imports from Assam.
The association made this demand after receiving information on Wednesday that a veterinary officer at the Byrnihat Veterinary Dispensary had countersigned certificates issued by the Block Veterinary Officer, Government of Assam, allowing poultry to enter Meghalaya without the mandatory testing and disease checks.
In this regard, the association met Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department Secretary, SC Sadhu, to seek his immediate attention regarding the breach of protocol.
Speaking to media persons, association member William Diengdoh said that a complete ban should be imposed on the entry of poultry since proper protocols, as per the provisions of the law, are not being followed.
According to him, the action of the veterinary officer was a breach of protocol as laid out in the Livestock Transportation Rules, 1978.
Maintaining that this violation poses a significant threat to all local farmers and producers in Meghalaya and increases the risk of disease outbreaks within the state, he called for an immediate stop to such an illegal practice.
Diengdoh also demanded a thorough explanation on whether the act was carried out solely at the officer’s discretion or under instructions from a superior.
“Furthermore, we demand a thorough explanation on whether this act was done solely at the discretion of the officer concerned or it was done at the instruction of his or her superior,” he said, while demanding that the person concerned should be held accountable.
