Al-Mukhaizeem reviews efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease during visit to PAAAFR
Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, paid an official visit to the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAFR) on Wednesday, where he met with Director General Salem Al-Hai and senior officials to see firsthand key agricultural projects and the escalating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak affecting livestock in Kuwait.
During the briefing, the Minister was informed of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak, which has severely impacted farms in Sulaibiya.
According to statistics obtained by Al-Rai, there were 22,673 cows on the farm of which 12,854 were infected with the foot-and-mouth disease, representing more than 50% of the herd. The report recorded 192 deaths and 2,831 recoveries as of Wednesday.
Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem emphasized the urgency of enforcing legal regulations concerning violations on agricultural holdings and farms, as well as the importance of adhering to contractual obligations. He also addressed the Authority’s role in landscaping efforts across main roads and newly developed urban areas, highlighting the need for continued cooperation in beautification and environmental initiatives.
The Authority confirmed that its veterinary and technical teams are maintaining constant field monitoring and implementing both preventive and therapeutic measures in collaboration with farm owners. A vaccine shipment is expected to arrive within a week, which is anticipated to support the containment of the disease.
On the sidelines of the visit, Minister Al-Mukhaizeem met with Abbas Hussein Abdul Redha, Chairman of the Agricultural Engineers Association, to explore enhanced cooperation and development opportunities for Kuwait’s agricultural sector. Abdul Redha expressed appreciation for the Minister’s proactive approach and support for agricultural advancement.
