IDCS Highlights Preparations for Safe, Free Eid al-Adha Slaughter Services

As Eid al-Adha approaches, Egypt’s Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDCS) has highlighted intensive preparations by the General Authority for Veterinary Services (GAVS) under the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure free and safe sacrificial slaughter services that comply with both religious and health regulations.

In a series of video interviews released by the center, Dr. Hamed Moussa El-Aknes, Chairman of the GAVS, emphasized the comprehensive readiness of public abattoirs across all governorates. 

According to GAVS, these facilities have been fully equipped, with repaired slaughter tools, adequate sanitizers, and essential supplies.

Moreover, veterinary teams have been reinforced to supervise slaughter operations and ensure that all procedures are carried out safely and in full compliance with health and religious standards.

Dr. El-Aknes announced that a state of emergency was declared in the days leading up to the holiday, noting that this crucial measure, in coordination with the Animal Inspection Department, is designed to enhance market surveillance and prevent unregulated slaughter outside licensed abattoirs—a key step in protecting public health and meat safety.

A notable highlight of the preparations is the full coordination with governors to offer free-of-charge slaughter services at government facilities. This initiative aims to promote safe, supervised slaughter practices and eliminate the risks associated with unregulated home slaughtering, which often poses health and environmental hazards.

The GAVS head stressed the importance of adhering to religious criteria when selecting sacrificial animals. He advised citizens to ensure that their animals are healthy, active, and physically sound, with clear eyes and shiny coats—important indicators for religious acceptability and overall meat quality.

Dr. El-Aknes urged citizens to utilize the free public slaughterhouses, describing this as a critical measure to prevent the spread of diseases, preserve the environment, and uphold religious and veterinary standards.

He also called on the public to be vigilant in choosing their animals, ensuring they meet all necessary health and religious conditions, so that this important religious rite is fulfilled with dignity, safety, and respect for its spiritual and communal values.