Iraq blocks entry of 1,750 calves over FMD concerns – Shafaq News

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq prevented the entry of 1,750 imported calves through
the Trebil border crossing after detecting concerns related to Foot-and-Mouth Disease
(FMD), Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, the ministry said Agriculture Minister Abdul
Amir al-Shammari ordered the ban on the shipment of live calves imported for
slaughter from Colombia, citing the need to “safeguard Iraq’s animal wealth
from infectious and potentially devastating diseases.”

The decision followed regulatory procedures carried out by
the Veterinary Directorate, which implemented precautionary measures aimed at
preventing the spread of animal diseases and protecting livestock populations.

Al-Shammari stressed the importance of intensifying efforts
to develop Iraq’s livestock sector through scientific methods and by addressing
operational challenges facing the industry. He said the ministry is working to
support local markets with meat sourced from approved and reliable suppliers
while preventing the entry of infected animals to protect public health and
support the national economy.

On May 22, Iraq’s Veterinary Directorate announced strict
precautionary measures after receiving information about reported cases of
foot-and-mouth disease in Syria’s Raqqa province. At the time, the directorate said it had raised
epidemiological monitoring to its highest level and instructed veterinary
hospitals at border crossings and across the country to strengthen inspections
of incoming animals and immediately report any suspected infections.