June 19, 2023
ASF, LSD impact beef and pork sales in Shillong, India
The sales of beef and pork in Shillong, India, have taken a serious beating in the past few weeks following disease outbreaks affecting both cattle and pigs.
Sales were affected to the point where the sales of pork in the city had reduced by 50% compared to figures before the spread of African swine fever (ASF).
While pork is down 50%, the condition is not any better with beef as people are still hesitant to the purchase the meat with the threat of lumpy skin disease (LSD).
Earlier, around 60 to 70 pigs would be slaughtered at an abattoir in Mawlai on a daily basis. At present, however, around 30 pigs only are being slaughtered on a single day.
As many as 10 cattle would be slaughtered daily during normal days. Now, none are slaughtered at the abattoir due to the lower demand.
The general secretary of Khasi-Jaintia Butcher Welfare Association (KJBWA), Generous Warlarpih, said that he understands the hesitation of the meat buyers.
"We have seen the spread of lumpy skin disease. The government should take proactive measures on how to contain this disease," Warlarpih said.
Noting that the government has officially issued a statement in the media about the spread of LSD, he said that "the government should also come out with a statement when the state is free from this disease.
"People will be in the dark if there is no official statement from the government."
Meanwhile, Warlarpih pointed out that the state government has yet to fully regulate the slaughter of animals for meat consumption.
"It is important for the state government to make it mandatory that animals should be slaughter in the abattoir," he said.
According to Warlarpih, a doctor will conduct health check-ups and post-mortem of animals slaughtered in the Mawlai abattoir.
"This will ensure that meat which is sold in the market is safe for consumption. But, sadly the government is still allowing people to kill the animals outside the slaughter house, which is not healthy," he said. "I fail to understand why the government is silent on this issue till now."
Noting that butchers or meat sellers cannot certify that meat being sold is safe for consumption, Warlarpih said that it is only veterinary doctors who can certify and declare the meat safe.
- The Shillong Times