Qatar Secures Ample Sheep for Eid Al-Adha Festivities

The Ministry of Municipality in Qatar, via its Livestock Department, has announced that the current inventory of local sheep, paired with upcoming imports, will adequately supply the market for Eid Al-Adha.

Thorough preparations have been finalized ahead of the festive season, featuring a solid operational strategy aimed at guaranteeing the steady availability of Eid sacrifices within the local marketplace. Authorities are actively overseeing livestock levels in collaboration with local breeders and vetted import companies to strike a balance between supply and demand.

Additionally, the Ministry has underscored its commitment to bolstering local sheep farming. In partnership with Widam Food Company and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, an initiative has been launched to promote domestic sheep breeding and production. This program allows breeders to market their livestock at competitive prices, while also benefiting from complimentary concentrated feed.

The commencement of sheep supply operations for Widam Food Company is scheduled for Thursday, May 7. The Ministry further extends technical and material assistance for sheep breeding and fattening ventures to enhance local production contributions to market needs.

On the import side, the Ministry remains vigilant in monitoring import licenses and is broadening its range of approved import sources based on health assessments from exporting nations. Facilities for veterinary quarantine are fully prepared for processing incoming livestock shipments.

Emphasizing health and safety, the Ministry confirmed that both local and imported livestock undergo rigorous health checks. Incoming imported sheep are scrutinized through a multi-step process, encompassing evaluations of the disease situation in the export country, adherence to World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) standards, veterinary quarantine inspections, lab tests upon entry, and ongoing market surveillance after their arrival.

Eid sacrifice imports are regulated under a permitting framework with established health protocols to guarantee a safe and consistent market supply.

The Ministry reiterated its ongoing backing for local livestock producers, providing complimentary veterinary care, subsidized feed, and structured marketing outlets.

Consumers are encouraged to acquire Eid sacrifices solely from authorized markets and ensure that animals appear healthy, free from signs such as lethargy or abnormal discharge. The Ministry also advised against slaughtering animals outside of designated slaughterhouses to safeguard public health.