These sheep don’t come cheap
KARACHI: Eidul Azha or Bakra Eid is upon us again. Makeshift markets for goats, sheep, lambs, cows, bulls and camels have sprung up almost everywhere. The roads with such markets are narrower and difficult to manoeuvre for traffic, especially for cars so it is best for those not looking to buy an animal to avoid them altogether.
This time around there is also some panic about the danger of the spread of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Congo virus for short, through ticks. People shopping for sacrificial animals are being warned to go out wearing trousers and full-sleeve shirts with closed shoes and socks in order to avoid getting stung. They are also advised to check the animals for ticks when they are checking other things such as their teeth, age and weight before making a purchase.
Handling the fresh meat later also calls for extra care. Butchers in particular have been issued guidelines by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council as they are more at risk of catching the disease. The meat should not be handled with bare hands. It should also be cooked well before consuming.