Health certificates mandatory for sale of sheep and mountain goats

By Our Correspondent, Muktinath (Mustang), Oct. 6: Health inspections of sheep and mountain goats (chyangra) being transported out of Mustang for the Dashain festival have begun, with authorities making health certificates mandatory for the animals.

The Agriculture and Livestock Development Office, Mustang, has been examining animals at livestock sheds to ensure they are free from diseases before allowing them to be transported outside the district.

According to office chief Dr. Lal Mani Aryal, around 2,000 sheep and mountain goats brought from Buddhal Rural Municipality of Dolpa and sold by farmers in Mustang have so far been examined and cleared for transportation.

“Animals without health certificates are stopped at checkpoints. No disease has been detected among the animals examined so far. Those injured during the long journey are being treated, while traders have been asked to slaughter them within the district,” Aryal said.