KUWAIT CITY, April 28: With the emergence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases in many Kuwaiti farms, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has reassured the public that it continues to control the disease, stressing that eating beef does not transmit the infection to humans.

The staff of the newspaper visited the meat market in Shuwaikh Industrial Area, where it was observed that meat sales continued normally. Several butcher shop officials confirmed that sales of beef from Kuwaiti farms are proceeding at normal rates and have not been affected at all by the FMD cases in some farms. Several consumers at the butcher shops said they could not do without beef, especially since the PAAAFR reassured everyone that FMD is not transmitted to humans through meat consumption. Hamoud Al-Enezi, a citizen, pointed out that the disease is not unique to Kuwait, as it is also prevalent in many countries that raise cattle and livestock. “Therefore, there is no cause for panic over the discovery of FMD cases in the country, especially since the responsible authorities are performing their duties to the best of their ability, as they are primarily concerned with human health. I did not stop purchasing meat,” he asserted.

Another citizen, Ibrahim Al-Rashidi, revealed he did not completely refrain from purchasing meat despite the discovery of FMD cases in some local farms. He buys only from the branches of meat companies with a good reputation in the market and maintains normal rates.

Butcher shop manager Alaa Sadiq confirmed that beef sales are continuing at a normal rate despite the discovery of FMD cases, indicating that the price of a kilogram of beef from Kuwaiti farms starts at KD 3. He said Kuwaitis prefer this beef over other types of meat, and most expatriates order meat from Kuwaiti farms only because their products are fresh. Meat shop manager Khaled Al-Sheikh Ali said meat sales have not been significantly affected by the FMD outbreak in some farms. “Things are proceeding well, especially since the regulatory authorities are doing their job to the fullest, up to the point of closing any shop that sells meat unfit for consumption,” he revealed. Butcher Baroudi Abdullatif said the impact the disease on meat sales is very minor, hoping for a boost in sales in the coming period. Butcher Tariq Abu Jabal asserted that Kuwaiti meat is among the finest in the market, so most consumers prefer it. He pointed out that government authorities have reassured consumers about the quality of meat in the market, particularly since the FMD cases are limited to certain farms. He said the company he works for sells only good-quality meat. Butcher Adel Imam stated that he sells beef and other types of meat normally, and that sales have not been affected by the FMD outbreak.

By Najeh Bilal
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff