In a significant move aimed at strengthening Nepal’s biosecurity and preventing the spread of animal-borne diseases, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has announced the establishment and operation of animal quarantine checkposts at key international entry points. According to an official notice published in the Nepal Gazette, animal quarantine facilities will be installed at both Pokhara Regional International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport, along with two additional permanent quarantine posts at Korala in Mustang and Matiarwa in Bara.
Strengthening Biosecurity Measures at International Airports
The government’s decision to install animal quarantine checkposts at Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports comes at a crucial time when Nepal is gradually expanding its international air connectivity. These airports have recently started welcoming direct international flights, significantly increasing the volume of passengers, cargo, and potential biological material entering the country. The Ministry stated that the main objective of these quarantine facilities is to regulate and inspect animals, animal products, and by-products entering Nepal to prevent the infiltration of contagious diseases that could threaten both human and animal health.
The establishment of these quarantine facilities is also seen as a step towards fulfilling Nepal’s international commitments under the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines and other regional health agreements. Ensuring stringent monitoring at entry points will also help Nepal enhance its reputation as a responsible member of the global health and trade community.
Permanent Quarantine Checkpoints at Border Areas
In addition to the airports, the Ministry has also declared the operation of permanent animal quarantine checkposts at two strategic border points, Korala in Mustang district and Matiarwa in Bara district. Korala, located in the northwestern part of Nepal, shares a border with China, while Matiarwa lies in the southern Terai region, bordering India.
Both these border points are considered crucial routes for the movement of livestock, especially during religious festivals, transhumance migration, and informal trade practices. The government believes that the permanent establishment of quarantine offices in these areas will curb the unchecked cross-border transmission of animal diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), avian influenza, and other zoonotic diseases.
These border quarantine facilities will be equipped with inspection laboratories, holding yards, disinfectant stations, and trained veterinary personnel to ensure scientific and efficient handling of animals and their products during import and export procedures.
National Impact and Importance
The implementation of these quarantine checkposts is expected to bring widespread benefits to Nepal’s agriculture and livestock sectors. As Nepal moves towards commercializing its agriculture and expanding its livestock trade, it becomes crucial to protect native breeds, preserve public health, and meet the sanitary requirements of international markets.
Officials from the Department of Livestock Services under the Ministry emphasized that the quarantine system will not only help in disease prevention but also enable the government to track animal movements, collect valuable epidemiological data, and ensure food safety. Moreover, these measures could play a key role in unlocking opportunities for Nepali meat and dairy products in regional and international export markets, as strict biosecurity compliance is a prerequisite for many countries.
The Ministry also aims to raise public awareness among farmers, traders, and transporters about the importance of animal quarantine and biosecurity. Training and outreach programs will be conducted in high-risk zones, and close coordination with local governments and security agencies will be maintained for smooth operation and enforcement.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the announcement, experts and stakeholders have noted that the success of these quarantine facilities will depend heavily on the government’s commitment to staffing, resourcing, and operating them efficiently. Past experiences have shown that some quarantine posts remain under-utilized or poorly managed due to a lack of budget, trained personnel, and proper infrastructure.
Veterinary professionals have suggested that regular audits, capacity building, and inter-agency coordination are essential to ensure that these quarantine posts perform their functions effectively. Technological integration for real-time monitoring, record keeping, and reporting will also be crucial to enhance operational transparency and traceability.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s decision to establish and operate animal quarantine checkposts at Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports, as well as at Korala and Matiarwa border points, represents a significant milestone in Nepal’s journey toward improved animal health governance and biosecurity. With rising global concerns over zoonotic diseases and increased international trade, Nepal’s proactive approach in this domain is timely and commendable. However, it will be equally important for the government to ensure that these plans are backed by sufficient resources, trained human capital, and long-term vision to safeguard national health, agriculture, and economy.
