Morocco Closes 7 Livestock Markets Ahead of Eid Al-Adha Over COVID-19 Concerns

This decision comes in view of the observations and recommendations of the local monitoring committees of the markets in accordance with the guide published jointly on this subject, indicates a joint press release from the Ministries of the Interior and Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests.

Among these markets, there is the Souk Al Had in Sidi Bouknadel-Salé (Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Region) closed on July 27, the Souk el Arba el Aounate at the level of the Province of Sidi Bennour (Casablanca-Settat Region) closed on July 29 and the Souk Had Lfraita at the level of the Province of El Kelaa des Sraghnas (Marrakech-Safi Region, closed on July 27.

Three other markets were also closed in the Fès-Meknès region, namely Bouderbala (Boubidmane Commune), Sebt Jahjouh and Ras Jerry, closed on July 20 and the Ait Ishak market in Khénifra, closed on July 28 in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region.

According to the same document, the competent services of the two ministries remain mobilized, in close coordination with the departments, establishments, municipalities and professional organizations concerned, to ensure compliance with the health conditions and the required measures at the level of the markets, control of the transport of animals intended for Eid as well as for the respect of the health measures on the day of Eid by the stakeholders in the slaughter process. The same source also specifies that the preventive health measures to be respected have been published in a practical guide, widely disseminated.

Thanks to this guide, breeders will be able to consult the organizational measures to be implemented in the livestock markets intended for Eid Al Adha, in terms of layout and access, as well as the health measures to be respected on the day of Eid by butchers and temporary trades around the event.