Authorities issue warning against illegal animal slaughter

Authorities are urging residents to be vigilant ahead of the Eid Al Adha holiday if they're going to partake in animal sacrifices.

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) says slaughtering animals like goats either at private homes or unauthorized street butchers can result in the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHR) virus.

They say this can be transmitted to humans through tick bites and direct contact with blood or tissues of infected animals.

Symptoms of the virus, which is on the list of priority diseases, include fever, muscle, neck and back pain, dizziness, headache, eye inflammation and sensitivity to light.

The ministry urges residents to visit their closest healthcare centre within 24 hours if they think they're affected.