Iraqi Agriculture Ministry reveals measures to protect livestock

The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture said on Friday that it has taken measures to limit diseases that threaten livestock, foremost among them hemorrhagic fever and foot-and-mouth disease, noting plans to support breeders, boost domestic production and reduce reliance on meat imports.

The ministry spokesman, Qusay al-Hattab, said in a statement seen by the Al-Wasat Iraqi newspaper that “livestock represents an important aspect of the Ministry of Agriculture’s work and is closely linked to the Veterinary Department,” noting that the sector faced several challenges in recent times, including viruses, hemorrhagic fever and foot-and-mouth disease, which the ministry has worked to control.

He explained that hemorrhagic fever represents “a major challenge,” because it is among the diseases that can be transmitted to humans from animals if health and veterinary guidelines are not followed.

He added that the ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and through the Veterinary Department and veterinary hospitals, conducts seasonal field campaigns in all provinces that include spraying cattle and buffalo and dipping sheep and goats using the pesticide “deltamethrin,” with the aim of reducing animals’ exposure to hemorrhagic fever.

Al-Hattab pointed out that livestock breeders face multiple challenges, affirming that the ministry is working to reduce administrative procedures and facilitate the work of producers.

He said the ministry recently resolved a problem facing poultry project owners, where renewing permits for table egg and chicken meat production previously required approvals from 11 ministries, before the procedures were shortened to only two ministries.

He continued that the Livestock Department and veterinary authorities provide support and follow-up for sheep, goat, cattle, buffalo and camel breeders, confirming there is support for the private sector and a plan aimed at boosting local production and achieving self-sufficiency.

Al-Hattab affirmed that Iraq, as an agricultural country, pays attention to livestock and the poultry sector, noting that the ministry’s plans include increasing local production and reducing dependence on meat imports.

Regarding the movement of animals and meat between provinces and across borders, he explained that the ministry applies procedures and controls to prevent the illicit transfer of meat and animals, while imports are subject to approved instructions and regulations.

He noted the presence of agricultural quarantine centers at all border crossings, in coordination with the Border Ports Authority and supporting security agencies, aimed at monitoring products and animals entering the country.

Al-Hattab concluded by saying that the livestock sector, alongside the agricultural sector, faces ongoing challenges, but the ministry is working to address them within its plans to support local production and strengthen food security.