BAJAUR: The livestock and dairy development department on Tuesday launched a vaccination campaign to keep animals and humans safe from the potential Congo, lumpy skin and other diseases ahead of Eidul Azha.

Assistant director livestock department Dr Ahmed Younis said that the campaign was launched in line with the directives of deputy commissioner Shahid Ali Khan.

He told reporters that multiple teams were taking part in the campaign meant to protect both cattle and humans from the potentialthreat of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), commonly known as Congo, lumpy skin, and other deadly diseases.

Dr Younis said unusual cattle movement ahead of Eidul Azha could increase the risk of deadly diseases, citing past experiences.

The head of local livestock and dairy development department noted that these diseases, particularly Congo, can not only affect animals but also spread to humans, who come into contact with infected cattle.

However, the official said thatpreventive measures, such as vaccination campaigns, were the best way to safeguard both animals and humans from deadly infections.

He said the officials of the livestock department will also educate farmers on the importance of preventive measures, besides giving them free anti-tick vaccines.

Dr Younis said as per the plan, the campaign would also cover cattle markets.

The official asked the farmers to inform the livestock department if they suspected their animals to be infected. Correspondent