Baghdad - INA
The Ministry of Agriculture announced on Friday a temporary suspension of the transit of live animals from Syria into Iraq and the Gulf countries. This precautionary move aims to protect livestock following an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
In an official statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Ministry stated: "A temporary preventive and precautionary measure has been implemented to halt the transit movement of live animals coming from Syria and heading towards Iraq and the Gulf states." The Ministry further explained that "this decision was prompted by verified and precise intelligence confirming the outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease affecting cattle and sheep across several Syrian governorates."
The Ministry emphasized that "this immediate measure is designed to safeguard local livestock and prevent the cross-border transmission or leakage of epidemic diseases." It added that "veterinary and health protocols are enforced firmly and without discrimination against any country, based on official reports, the epidemiological surveillance system, and continuous media monitoring of the health situation in neighboring countries."
In a related context, the Ministry of Agriculture warned against attempts to spread misleading information aimed at confusing the public and casting doubt on the efficiency of the implemented veterinary procedures.
The Ministry reaffirmed that its top priority remains maintaining food security, protecting public health, and immunizing the country’s livestock against any epidemic risks.