The Ministry of Agriculture has temporarily banned import of livestock from Pakistan due to the existence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the country, Jaber Bin Muhammad Al-Shihri, Assistant Undersecretary for Animal Resources Affairs at the ministry, said. Denying reports on import of livestock carrying dengue fever from Pakistan, Al-Shihri said authorities have taken several steps to combat the disease. He said the ministry only allows import of livestock that is fit for human consumption. Ban on import of livestock from any country is not imposed before preventive measures are introduced in the Kingdom, he said. The ministry, he said, was closely monitoring the status of the disease with the World Health Organization (WHO). Import of livestock including sheep, goats or gazelle consignments from Pakistan has been temporarily suspended, he said. The Animal Resources Administration, he said, is developing and protecting animal resources, poultry and their products in the Kingdom besides monitoring and evaluating the work of veterinary clinics, units and laboratories; and combating and preventing animal diseases and epidemics. In earlier statements to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, Al-Shihri said the Kingdom's livestock production covers only 25 to 30 percent of the local market consumption while annual import reaches 5 million heads of livestock including cattle, sheep, goats and camels. The import percentage rises by 5 percent annually and the value according to world prices is estimated at SR3 billion. __
