Sources said that the Food Security Ministry sought a one-off relaxation in the application of Pakistan Animal Quarantine Rules 1980 for the import of wildlife from Africa.
However, a recent cabinet meeting dismissed the request. During the discussion, the cabinet expressed concern over the import of wild animals from an African country from which the purchase of animals was prohibited owing to the risk of foot and mouth disease (FMD) making its way into the country particularly when the virus strain could be different from the one existing in Pakistan which may have serious consequences.
In response, it was explained that the animals would be quarantined before they enter Pakistan. However, it was felt that the risk should be addressed especially when the existing quarantine procedures could not be completely relied upon.
The Ministry of National Food Security stated that the Animal Quarantine (Import and Export of Animals and Animal Products) Rules 1980, framed under the Pakistan Animal Quarantine (Import and Export of Animals and Animal Products) Ordinance 1979, were promulgated to regulate the export and import of animals and animal products.
According to Schedule II of the rules, the import of animals having cloven hoofs was prohibited from countries where SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3 serotypes of FMD were considered to be present.
The cabinet was informed that the Punjab Wildlife Department had conveyed its intent the import wild animals having cloven hoof from South Africa (where SAT is endemic) for Lahore Zoo and Lahore Safari Park.
Convention on International Trade
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Management Authority under the chairmanship of the minister for climate change in its meeting held on January 23, 2024, had already allowed the Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Department, the government of Punjab, the import of wild animals from African countries. However, the consignment was required to be examined and quarantined at the point of entry into Pakistan by the Animal Quarantine Department.
Animals would be released only after ensuring that they were disease-free under the 1979 ordinance and 1980 rules. The ministry revealed that the import of animals was at an advanced stage as they had already been procured and were ready to be shipped. Therefore, the cabinet may consider granting a “one-time relaxation” from Schedule II of the 1980 rules.
The animal species being imported were Nyala, Springbok, Blesbok, and Giraffe.
The cabinet considered a summary titled One-time relaxation in the Pakistan Animal Quarantine Rules 1980 for import of wildlife from Africa submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security but did not approve the proposal.
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