Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The open work stoppage carried out by Jordan's Veterinary physicians since last week caused imported livestock and meat shipments to be stranded at the borders awaiting inspection and approval.

Head of the Jordanian Veterinary Physicians' Association Nabil Al Loubani warned of a crisis in the market on the onset of the holy month of Ramadan as the shipments are being delayed as a result of the open strike carried out by the country's veterinarians since last week.

Al Loubani told Ammon News that the shipments of imported meat and agricultural products are awaiting at the borders to receive import permits after being inspected by veterinarians.

Al Loubani noted that veterinarians inspect livestock before being butchered to ensure its safety for consumption, in addition to veterinarians' work at labs, inspection units, and veterinary clinics.

The head of the association stressed that the government's neglect and rejection to meet the Associations' demands will lead to an "unexpected crisis" in the meat industry in particular, ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

Al Loubani noted that there is a severe shortage of veterinarians in Jordan, adding that students are shying away from studying veterinary medicine.

The Ministry of Agriculture requested the hiring of 50 veterinarians nearly a month ago, while only seven physicians applied for the job.

Al Loubani said that veterinarians earn more income in the private sector, and amid increased need for veterinarians in the Gulf states, and the declining numbers of students who study veterinary medicine, are all causes for the shortage of workers in the profession.

There are about 220 veterinarians working in the public sector, with 138 working at the Ministry of Agriculture, 54 at the Greater Amman Municipality, 55 at the Ministry of Health and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), and 10 more at various municipalities throughout the kingdom.

The shortage of veterinarians, coupled with their nation-wide open strike, warns of a "crisis," Al Loubani said, calling on the government to take measures to meet the veterinarians' demands.