Authorities check on health of sacrificial goats

Wed, 11/25/2009 2:13 PM  |  Bali

Officials from the Denpasar livestock agency carried out random health checks Tuesday targeting goat and cattle traders across the city.

The health checks are aimed at ensuring that the upcoming celebration of the Islamic Day of Sacrifice, Idul Adha, is not blighted by the distribution of meat from unhealthy sacrificial animals.

The holiday falls on Friday.

The health checks began at Kampung Jawa, a predominantly Muslim area of north Denpasar.

For decades, the village has been the center of the island's livestock trade. Officials inspected four roadside holding pens and closely examined the goats.

There were hundreds of goats inside the pens and tied to posts around the pens. The huge concentration of goats has caused sever traffic jams in nearby streets, as passing motorists have to navigate past the goats and throngs of would-be buyers.

"A sick goat is easily identified by the color of its eyes and nose, and its posture," Astriwati, the agency's public health unit chief, explained.

A healthy goat, she added, had clear eyes, an upright posture and did not have runny eyes or nose.

The officials took their time in inspecting the goats.

"Bali is still free from the deadly foot-and-mouth disease, but we urge the public to inspect the goat carefully before buying," Astriwati said.

Another series of health checks will be carried out on the morning of Idul Adha, when the animals are slaughtered and their meat distributed among the poor, she said.

"We'll send out at least 100 students and veterinarians to 54 mosques across the city to inspect the meat," she said.

One prospective buyer, Yulina, admitted she could not differentiate between healthy and sick goats.

"I trust the trader; after all, the goat will be sacrificed for a religious celebration," she said.

"So if the trader lies, then he's committing a sin."

Agency data shows 1,200 goats and cows have been sent to Denpasar to be sold prior to Idul Adha. Last year, that figure was more than 1,300.

A year-old goat fetches up to Rp 1.1 million, slightly higher than last year's price of Rp 900,000.

"We haven't booked a significant increase in sales yet," said trader Syamsuddin.

"The increase usually takes place two days before Idul Adha."

JP/Luh De Suriyani

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