CHIEF OF VETERINARY SERVICES MAKES HUMANITARIAN GESTURE TO PA

[im...@netvision.net.il]

CHIEF OF VETERINARY SERVICES MAKES HUMANITARIAN GESTURE TO PA

Aaron Lerner 11 July, 1996

IMRA interviewed Prof. Arnon Shimshony, Chief of Veterinary
Services in the Ministry of Agriculture on July 11, 1996 in
English.

IMRA: Has Israel changed its policy regarding the 10,500 frozen
sheep carcasses which the Saudis want to contribute to the PA?

Shimshony: After three meetings of a special professional
subcommittee we have decided to make a special one time exception
and have accepted the proposal of the veterinary service of the
Palestinian Authority that the frozen sheep carcasses be deboned
and that they will distribute only the deboned meat to the poor.

Our concern with the sheep is to prevent the transmission of hoof
and mouth disease (HMD). The pH of deboned meat drops and the
higher acidity eliminates the HMD virus. That is why, as a
practice, we only permit the importation of deboned meat from HMD
countries. I would note that it is highly unusual to debone sheep.
The bones, which carry HMD, will be destroyed.

IMRA: Where will the deboning take place?

Shimshony: The frozen carcasses will be brought to the Rafiah
terminal in sealed containers. Israeli inspectors will inspect the
containers to insure that only carcasses are included - no head,
feet or internal organs which may carry HMD. The inspectors will
also make a count of the carcasses. The sealed containers will
then be delivered to a deboning facility in Gaza.

IMRA: Is this a modern facility?

Shimshony: We have inspected the deboning facility and it is a
modern plant. Each day of operation the deboned meat will be
distributed and the bones burned. At night, when the facility is
not operating, it will be guarded to insure that no carcasses are
removed. When the entire process is completed, the clothing of the
workers will also be burned.

IMRA: There have been reports that food contributions to the PA
from the European Community have found their way into the Israeli
market. Would the deboned meat present a health problem if it
found its way into Israel?

Shimshony: Our concern in this matter is HMD. I cannot vouch for
the meat from a health standpoint. I would note, however, that
since the meat has gone through various processes that it is not a
durable product. It should be consumed the same day that it is
deboned. The health issues will be addressed by the Palestinian
professionals and from our experience and contact with them I would
say that they will certainly deal with this issue.

IMRA: Under what kind of conditions were the sheep slaughtered?

Shimshony: We have Saudi certificates that the sheep were
slaughtered in a modern slaughtering operation. The sheep were
slaughtered as part of the Idl Adha celebration. During this
Moslem celebration the Saudis slaughter a huge number of sheep and
the meat is distributed around the world.

IMRA: Does this set a precedent?

Shimshony: No. This was a special exception on humanitarian
grounds.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Associate
IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-904719/Fax 972-9-911645
INTERNET ADDRESS: im...@netvision.net.il
pager 03-6750750 subscriber 4811

To subscribe:
A) Regular subscription via Virtual Jerusalem
http://www.virtual.co.il/city_services/lists/imra-l
B) For free fax subscription, please send request to
im...@netvision.net.il
Fax service limited to: American area codes 212, 313, 503, 514
(Montreal), 541, 718, 813 (Tampa) as well as Athens(+30 1), Lisbon
(+351-1), Croatia (+385), Zagreb (+385-1), United Kingdom (+44),
Sweden (+46), Australia (+61 - Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney,
Darwin), Seoul (+82-2), Hong Kong (+852)