Preventive inspection tours in the city: 153,000 livestock examined and food security enhanced
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote plant and animal health, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) in Madinah conducted a series of inspection tours recently. These efforts included over 12,000 field visits and inspections, along with the examination of more than 153,000 head of livestock, to ensure their health and freedom from disease. This reflects the center’s commitment to protecting national resources and enhancing food security in the region.
This intensive activity is part of the pivotal role played by the “Wiqa’a” Center, which was established to be the first line of defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against pests and diseases that threaten the agricultural and livestock sectors. The center works to implement the highest standards of plant and animal health, using the latest technologies in monitoring, surveying, and early detection, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at achieving environmental sustainability and food security.
These efforts are particularly important in the Medina region, which is not only a global religious center but also boasts significant agricultural and livestock activity. The region is renowned for its date palm groves, which are an integral part of its economic and cultural identity. It also experiences a thriving livestock trade, especially given its proximity to the holy sites and the increased demand during Hajj and Umrah seasons, necessitating strict oversight to ensure product safety.
Enhancing food security and protecting national resources through preventative monitoring tours
The measures taken by the “Wiqa’a” (Prevention) Center are a cornerstone of the food security system. By inspecting more than 153,038 head of livestock, the center ensures the delivery of safe and healthy meat to consumers and prevents the spread of animal diseases that could be transmitted to humans. Furthermore, the awareness campaigns conducted in public markets and slaughterhouses, totaling approximately 5,998 visits, contribute to raising awareness among breeders, traders, and consumers about the importance of adhering to health regulations. Economically, these preventative measures protect the investments of farmers and livestock breeders from the significant losses that could be caused by epidemics and pests. Controlling disease vectors through more than 6,547 surveillance and control campaigns reduces the spread of diseases and their treatment costs, and supports the sustainability of the agricultural sector as a vital contributor to the national economy.
Integrated efforts to combat agricultural pests
The center's efforts were not limited to livestock but extended to protecting vegetation. Field teams conducted monitoring and surveying operations across an area exceeding 37,169 hectares to combat desert locusts, a long-standing threat to agricultural crops in the region. Additionally, 11,870 dunams were surveyed to combat serious pests such as the red palm weevil and the black leafhopper, which directly target palm trees. The "Wiqa" Center affirmed its commitment to continuing its field and preventative plans and intensifying monitoring and investigation efforts to mitigate the risks associated with pests and diseases. This aims to support the sustainability of the agricultural sector and preserve natural resources and livestock in the Madinah region and throughout the Kingdom.
