District livestock development officer (DLDO) and officer in-charge of the quarantine check post, Dr. KN Zubemo Humtsoe, has described as “completely baseless and devoid of truth” the claim that dead chickens were being supplied to neighbouring states like Nagaland.
When contacted, Dr. Humtsoe told Nagaland Post over phone that every poultry bird or livestock entering the state for consumption undergoes thorough inspection and assessment by qualified veterinary doctors.
It may be recalled that the after reports of chickens being supplied under unhygienic conditions in Karbi Anglong and neighbouring states, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) recently decided to enforce strict checking of entry/exit of poultry under its jurisdiction.
Dr. Humtsoe clarified that the notion of allowing dead birds for consumption within the state was “simply out of the question”. He said that the department conducts meticulous on-site verifications and rigorous inspections. He assured that the department conducts stringent measures to isolate and prevent entry of any dead or unhygienic poultry or livestock.
To ensure safety and quality of poultry and livestock brought into the state, the livestock officer said that health certificates from competent veterinary doctors from the source were mandatory. However, he said that certification alone was not sufficient.
Dr. Humtsoe said that the state’s veterinary cell carries out on-the-spot verifications to ensure compliance with health and hygiene standards before allowing any poultry or meat for consumption to enter the state.
“Any poultry bird/livestock being brought in for consumption to the state, we check for health certificates of competent veterinary doctor from the source,” Dr. Humtose said.
He maintained that the state prioritizes its responsibility to thoroughly check and certify all poultry and livestock destined for consumption within its borders, adding that such critical tasks was not delegated to any external entity or organization.
PUD refutes claim: Dismissing the allegations as “unfounded and inaccurate”, the Poultry Union Dimapur (PUD) has also stated that there was no evidence of dead birds being brought into the state for consumption.
PUD president, Tiameren, and general secretary, Keyigwalung, claimed that they strictly adhered to the protocol of obtaining clearance from state veterinary cell before bringing in any poultry supplies. They further questioned the state veterinary department whether KAAC was to conduct inspections on their own.
Questioning the need to rely on other states’ veterinary cells for checking, the union said that Nagaland state already has its own competent department dedicated to such inspections.
The union asserted that poultry brought into the state should be exclusively checked and certified by state veterinary department.
PUD claimed that poultry supply chain was heavily disrupted resulting in shortage of poultry in the market, which further led to significant increase in poultry prices. Currently the rate is Rs.150 to Rs.160 per kilo compared to previous range of Rs.120 to Rs.130 per kilo.
Expressing concern over the high rates caused by the issue, the union affirmed its commitment to stand against any organization or individual attempting to exploit the situation for personal gain.