Professionals confirm that imported sheep are subject to “quarantine” control before marketing

With the occasion of “Eid al-Kabir” rapidly approaching and the confirmation of the arrival of the first shipments of sheep destined for slaughter on Eid al-Adha this year, professionals and livestock breeders (shearers) who were contacted by Hespress newspaper reported that imported sheep are subject to precise procedures and procedures imposed by “quarantine” in a number of farms. The incident occurred especially in the Casablanca-Settat region.

According to what was confirmed by a livestock importer in one of the farms in “Tit Mellil”, near Casablanca, preparations are underway to begin the procedures for placing imported sacrifices in quarantine, describing it as “a necessary and routine procedure that professionals have always followed before removing these sheep to find their way to sale in local markets.” “.

Muhammad Nawari, a livestock importer who owns the aforementioned farm, said, “The sale cannot take place without obtaining a health license for the safety of animal products destined for slaughter and consumption on Eid al-Adha, issued by specialized veterinarians affiliated with the National Office for the Sanitary Safety of Food Products (UNSA), stating that “Accurate laboratory analyzes and follow-up actually began a few days ago through a health file for each farm, which is carried out in good conditions,” he said.

Nawari went on to explain in his interview with Hespress that “the Merinos breeds, known for their quality, imported from southern Spain, are currently available in the region’s estates with about 20,000 heads of sheep destined for slaughter, and the number may be likely to rise as Eid approaches.”

Not far from “Tit Mellil”, there is the “Ismail estate”, in the “Ouled Haddou” area in Casablanca, who confirmed to the newspaper, during communication with him, that “quarantine procedures and respect for the health safety of imported Spanish sheep are in accordance with the conditions and standards in force within the framework of the notebook.” Special restrictions are adhered to by livestock breeding professionals,” he said, noting that “these sheep are subject to careful monitoring in the country of origin before being transported to Morocco.”

The same professional reported that “a batch of sheep from Romania, ranging from 500 to 600 heads, is expected to arrive within the next twenty days, with the increase in activity in weekly markets specializing in the sale of sacrifices,” stressing that “the sheep that come to Morocco from Spain are subject to a quarantine period.” Healthy up to 14 days… and procedures for placing and transporting imported sheep respect health control procedures.”

Before its arrival, livestock breeding professionals confirmed that the latter is subject, as is customary, to “strict and regular supervision at the level of inspection centers at border crossings (especially ports); This is done by examining her health condition, verifying health certificates and documents, and conducting the necessary examinations.”

The electronic newspaper Hespress reviewed on the official website of “UNSA” a special page specifying “the conditions required for approval to establish a barn that can be used as a quarantine station for imported sheep,” of which the “administrative and medical file” remains among the most prominent; “According to the current Code of Procedures for the Import of Livestock, the registration file must be submitted to the National Office for Sanitary Safety of Food Products at least 30 days before the expected date of arrival of the livestock.”

In this context, Eid sacrifices imported from abroad cannot reach the market except after meeting a number of health standards and conditions. Veterinarians play a decisive role in ensuring the health safety of imported livestock, ensuring that they are free of any contagious diseases or defective injuries. This was confirmed by Dr. Majeed Ankit, Chairman of the Regional Council of the North Central Region of the National Veterinary Authority.

Ankit pointed out, in a statement to the electronic newspaper Hespress, that “after the crossing stage from the border crossings, the imported livestock herds are subject to a period of health isolation in farms licensed and monitored by the National Office for Sanitary Safety of Food Products (UNSA) under the supervision and supervision of private veterinarians holding health mandates.” .

The same veterinarian also recorded that “samples are being taken to carry out the necessary laboratory analyzes and ensure that these herds are free of infectious diseases.” After ensuring its safety, the “UNSA” authorities license the importing entities to begin the sale process to the rest of the farmers.”