KARACHI: Following the countrywide recent deaths from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), and entering of thousands of animals in Karachi ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, government of Sindh has announced to establish camps at entry points of metropolis. The camps would be established from today (Friday) with immediate effect at all entry points where arrangements would be made to spray every vehicle carrying animals. Congo fever is a widespread tick-borne viral disease that is a zoonotic disease carried by several domestic and wild animals. This was announced by Sindh Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Muhammad Ali Malkani while addressing a seminar. The seminar on ”Emerging threat of Congo virus infection and Eid-ul-Azha” was arranged by at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) with the elaboration of American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Minister said that the step has been taken after recent Congo-related deaths and in view of the situation where thousands of animals were being brought in to the Sindh province and especially its capital city Karachi, from Punjab and Balochistan. “Effected animals are entering in to Sindh and the capital Karachi which are coming from Punjab or from Baluchistan. A small number of animals are being brought to Karachi animals markets from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Among the effected animals small animals like goats and sheep are more affected, he added. Minister Malkani said although every animal may not carry ticks but it was far better to take preventive measures. “Every animal can not be vaccinated. At every entry point, we would establish camps and arrangements would be made for fumigation,” he added. He however cleared that, it may take time some to spray the vehicles; appealing animal traders to show patience. Speaking on the occasion, Zulfiqar Ali Shiekh, Vice President FPCCI said that Murad Ali Shah after the assuming the power of Chief Minister Sindh had vowed and started cleaning from Karachi which is good however a lot more needs to be done in this regard after the emerging of fresh cases of Congo in the metropolitan. Dr Sana Anwer, Head of Microbiology Department Liaqauat National Hospital Karachi talked about laboratory diagnosis, risk factors facilitating CCHF outbreak, personal protection and decontamination. “Congo is transmitted through bite or handling of infected Hyalomma tick. Fatality rate ranges from 9 per cent to 50 per cent,” Dr Sana added. She advised to wear proper clothing while going to animal market while cover the exposed body parts. She also warned not to direct contact with animal blood during slaughtering. Another speaker Prof. Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi from Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education said Sindh was not contributing in spreading in Congo virus. In fact animals are coming to Sindh from other provinces. “At entry points, tick-free certificates should be provided. There should be ban on animals with diseased animals,” Dr Shahana added. She also stressed on the need of proper disposal of waste of animals. Dr Syed Noman Ali, Veterinary Officer from Live Stock Department Sindh stressed on the need of better coordination between Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and District Municipal Corporations. Seminar was also attended by students of various universities. Hareem Zakir, a fourth year student from Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi said for preventive side, it was better for us to minimize the physical contact with the sacrificial animal. Although it reduces the fun, but it was far god to take precautionary measures, she said.