Animal Quarantine Office Established in Pokhara: Boosting Biosecurity and Safe Trade in Nepal

The Government of Nepal has officially established a new Animal Quarantine Office in Pokhara, marking a major step toward strengthening national biosecurity and regulating the movement of animals and animal products. The office has been set up in Lamapatan, Pokhara Metropolitan City-15, under the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Why the Animal Quarantine Office Matters

The newly established office will play a critical role in:

 Preventing Animal Disease Transmission

Pokhara has increasing domestic and international connectivity. With higher movement of livestock and processed animal goods, the risk of spreading infectious diseases is rising.
The quarantine office will inspect, test, and certify animals entering or leaving the region ensuring diseases don’t spread across districts or borders.

 Regulating Import and Export Activities

By monitoring the trade of live animals, meat, eggs, dairy, and other animal-based items, the office helps maintain health standards aligned with national and international guidelines. This supports safer and more efficient trade.

 Enhancing Biosecurity in Western Nepal

Pokhara’s strategic location makes it a hub for tourism, agriculture, and air transport. Establishing an animal quarantine center here strengthens Nepal’s overall biosecurity system.

Key Features of the Pokhara Animal Quarantine Office

 Location

• Lamapatan, Pokhara-15
  
• Operates under the Animal Health and Livestock Services Act, 2055
  

 Quarantine Check-Posts Under the Office

The office supervises two permanent quarantine points:

1. Pokhara International Airport
   
   • Inspects imported animals and animal products arriving by air.
     
2. Korala (Mustang) Border Check-Post
   
   • Monitors overland movement of livestock across the border.
     

Leadership

• Headed by Dr. Kiran Pandey, with oversight from the Department of Livestock Services.
  

Benefits to Farmers, Traders, and the Tourism Sector

For Farmers & Livestock Entrepreneurs

• Reduced risk of disease outbreaks
  
• More reliable certification for selling livestock products
  
• Easier access to export markets
  

For Traders

• Transparent import and export checks
  
• Faster processing and regulation
  
• Compliance with national and intl. trade standards
  

For the Tourism & Public Health Sector

• Lower risk of zoonotic diseases (animal-to-human)
  
• Safer food supply chains for hotels, restaurants, and consumers
  
• Improved international confidence in Nepal’s livestock safety protocols
  

Conclusion

The establishment of the Animal Quarantine Office in Pokhara is a significant milestone for Nepal’s livestock sector. It strengthens disease control, supports safe and legal trade, and enhances public health protections. With growing connectivity through Pokhara International Airport and increased cross-border movement via Korala, this office is poised to become an essential pillar in Nepal’s biosecurity and economic development