Experts from Dubai clear Australian sheep
22 September, 2012
KARACHI: An independent veterinarian from a leading World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) accredited Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) Dubai, which operates as a government diagnostic centre for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has issued a certificate terming the sheep free of any exotic disease and perfectly fit for human consumption. Dr Ulrich Wernery, the scientific director of CVRL in the UAE visually inspected the sheep on Wednesday in a Karachi feedlot and found no evidence of exotic disease in the animals. "These sheep do not suffer from any infectious diseases what so ever (sic) and should be professionally slaughtered for meat production without any delay to avoid any suffering and also to avoid any animal welfare concerns," Dr Wernery concluded. "It is of paramount importance to stop now the needless and unnecessary culling of healthy animals." CVRL operates as a government diagnostic centre for the UAE and neighbouring countries and provides diagnostic and pre-import testing. It was intended that Dr Wernery would take blood tests from the sheep for analysis at CVRL laboratory and Wellard would provide an update on the results of those tests. Unfortunately, local authorities prevented Dr Wernery from taking blood samples from the sheep for further analysis. Wellard spokesman said that Dr Wernery's report validated the continued statements from PK Livestock, Wellard and the Australian government that the sheep are healthy, fit for human consumption and pose no health risk to other Pakistani livestock. "Dr Wernery is an internationally recognised veterinarian and his assessment that the sheep are fit, healthy and disease-free provides important independent, third party endorsement of the sheep's health status," spokesman added. "We are confident that the sheep will pass any proper testing process without issue. The health and safety of the Australian sheep flock is recognised globally for providing a clean, safe food supply to many countries around the globe. "These sheep have passed numerous animal welfare tests in numerous countries and remain fit for human consumption." End.
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