The leaders of the Confederation of Ri-Bhoi People (CORP) have expressed their concern over the free flow of animals meant for human consumption supplied from other states, which, they fear, could bring diseases into Meghalaya.
CORP has thus requested that the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department erect an animal checkpoint in Ri-Bhoi to certify that the animals, such as pigs, are checked for disease. African Swine Flu has been a problem in Meghalaya and other North East states for several months now, which had necessitated a ban on the live importation of pigs into Meghalaya.
Members of the pressure group conducted a surprise check at Sumer today, a place that was believed to be the holding point for pigs that are imported from around India before being transported to various points in the state.
Although CORP found that the documentation for the 200-plus pigs from Jaipur were in order, the animals, it said, had not been tested by the District Veterinary Officer on arrival into Ri-Bhoi.
“Meghalaya is a state that consumes large quantities of meat and if animals coming from other parts of the country are not properly checked, this will put the people of the state in danger. Our Veterinary Department must be very alert and must take precautions in checking these animals before they reach the slaughterhouse,” CORP leader Bandari Ryntathiang said.
