CHITRAL, Nov 23: There is a threat of the outbreak of animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans (Zoonotic diseases) in Chitral district and therefore cattle farmers should be made aware of the ways and means to prevent the looming crisis.

This was the crux of the messages delivered by District Director of Livestock Dr Nizamuddin and District Project Manager of Relief International Dr Riazur Rehman Dawar during a function held to inaugurate Zoonotic Control Room at a local veterinary hospital.

Chitral District Coordination Officer Rehmatullah Wazir inaugurated the control room by cutting the ribbon.

Dr Nizamuddin told participants that the people keeping livestock were vulnerable to zoonotic diseases.

He said a large segment of the population in Chitral was at the risk of being affected by anthrax, leishmaniasis, tetanus, rabies, brucellosis, dengue fever, congo fever and bird flu.

Dr Dawar called for public awareness, the building of the relevant officials’ capacity and better surveillance and management to fight zoonotic diseases.

The DCO said a large segment of the society was engaged in livestock keeping and therefore, they were vulnerable to zoonotic diseases.

He said agriculture and cattle farming formed a major part of local economy and the establishment of Zoonotic Control Room at the veterinary hospital was direly needed.

The DCO urged the project managers to use all channels of information to create public awareness of ways and means to prevent and control zoonotic diseases.

He said the district administration would extend all possible help and cooperation to the cattle farmers in this respect.