Iraq Suspends Transit of Live Animals from Syria

The Ministry’s media office

Iraq’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture has temporarily suspended the transit of live animals from Syria.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has announced a temporary suspension on the transit of live animals from Syria to Iraq and the Gulf states as part of efforts to protect livestock from disease outbreaks.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry confirmed the implementation of “a temporary precautionary measure” halting the movement of live animals originating from Syria and destined for Iraq and Gulf countries.

The Ministry stated that the decision followed “verified information confirming the spread of foot-and-mouth disease among cattle and sheep in several Syrian governorates”. It added that the measure was introduced immediately to protect domestic livestock and prevent the transmission of cross-border epidemic diseases.

According to the statement, veterinary and health procedures are being enforced “strictly and without exception” for all countries, based on official reports, epidemiological monitoring systems, and ongoing observation of the health situation in neighbouring states.

In a related statement, the Ministry also warned against what it described as attempts to circulate misleading information intended to create confusion among the public and undermine confidence in existing veterinary measures.

The Ministry stressed that its primary priorities remain safeguarding food security, protecting public health, and preserving the country’s livestock from epidemic threats.


PUKMEDIA