Makkah: The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plants Pests and Animal Diseases, known as the Weqaa Center, is actively executing an intensive operational plan for the 1447 AH Hajj season. This plan is part of a broader effort to enhance public health, ensure food security, and guarantee the safety of livestock and plants to serve both pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the center has dispatched 191 personnel and 67 field teams across the regions of Makkah and Madinah. These teams are working around the clock, focusing on preventive and monitoring activities. Their operations include inspecting and examining livestock shipments intended for sacrifices and offerings, beginning from their entry into the Kingdom to their arrival at public markets. Additionally, the center conducts epidemiological investigations of disease vectors and entomological surveys to protect public health.
In the Makkah region, field teams have inspected over 678,470 heads of livestock. They have also completed inspections, verifications, and issued veterinary clearances for more than 5,294,145 poultry shipments, in addition to 449,459 heads of livestock entering through Makkah's entry points. The center has conducted 2,431 disease vector surveillance tours and 5,827 monitoring and awareness tours in public markets, covering an area of 42,492 hectares as part of their insect survey operations.
In Madinah, the field teams are actively implementing the center's operational plan to ensure the health and safety of visitors to the Prophet's Mosque. They have inspected more than 116,930 heads of livestock, conducted 4,932 disease vector surveillance tours, and carried out 5,140 monitoring and awareness tours in public markets and slaughterhouses. The teams have also covered 32,909 hectares through insect survey operations.
The center emphasizes that these efforts are integral to the Hajj operations system and are coordinated with relevant government entities to provide a healthy and safe environment for pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.
