Veterinary teams deployed in Mecca to ensure the safety of pilgrims
The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) intensified its exceptional field efforts during the 1447 AH Hajj season by deploying veterinary Hajj teams to several key entry points to Mecca. This strategic step is part of a comprehensive system aimed at enhancing public health and ensuring the safety of food of animal origin, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing the best services to pilgrims and ensuring a healthy, disease-free environment.
A long history of providing healthcare to pilgrims
Over the decades, the Saudi Arabian government has placed great importance on the health and safety of pilgrims, leading to significant advancements in health and veterinary control mechanisms. Historically, crowd management and monitoring the entry of livestock into the holy sites have posed considerable challenges. However, the establishment of specialized entities such as the Weqaa Center has brought about a qualitative leap in this area. The presence of veterinary teams during Hajj today represents a continuation of ongoing efforts aimed at preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases (those transmitted from animals to humans) within Mecca, especially given the annual influx of millions of pilgrims and millions of head of livestock intended for sacrificial offerings.
Locations of veterinary Hajj teams and work procedures
The center explained that veterinary teams are working around the clock to conduct intensive inspection tours of livestock to ensure their health and freedom from epidemic and infectious diseases. In addition, they verify full compliance with approved health requirements. The center indicated that the teams are stationed at five main points on the entrances to the Holy City of Mecca: Al-Shumaisi Al-Qadim, Al-Akshiya, Al-Ja'ranah, Al-Bahita, and Al-Husayniyah. These vital locations have been equipped with qualified veterinary medical personnel and the necessary technical and laboratory equipment to ensure efficient inspection processes and a rapid response to any health emergency.
Regional and international impact on ensuring food safety
The importance of these measures extends beyond the local level, impacting regionally and internationally. Through the rigorous screening conducted by veterinary teams during Hajj, the Kingdom ensures that no transboundary diseases are carried by pilgrims back to their home countries. This high level of control reinforces the international community's confidence in Saudi Arabia's ability to manage the world's largest annual human gathering with the highest standards of health security. It also contributes to protecting the national livestock from the introduction of new disease strains, thus supporting the national economy and achieving environmental and agricultural sustainability.
Safety standards and direct communication mechanisms
To ensure smooth operations and provide immediate support, the center has allocated direct contact numbers for field teams serving beneficiaries at entry points, in addition to a unified call center number. This enhances response times and ensures efficient handling of reports. Waqqaa emphasized the center's continued diligent efforts, in close coordination with all relevant government and security agencies, to achieve the highest standards of public health and safety, and to work tirelessly towards a successful and healthy Hajj season for pilgrims, free from any health threats.
