Published Date: 2025-02-19 02:44:41 GMT
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease - Iraq: (BG) buffalo, spread, RFI
Archive Number: 20250219.8722250
FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE - IRAQ: (BAGHDAD) BUFFALO, SPREAD, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
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Date: Sun 16 Feb 2025
Source: Rudaw Arabia [in Arabic, trans. Mod.SF, abridged, edited]
https://www.rudawarabia.net/arabic/middleeast/iraq/160220252
The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which has spread among buffalo in several areas of Baghdad, does not transmit to humans. The ministry also noted that the mortality rate stands at 5%, which is within normal limits.
The ministry's spokesperson, Muhammad Abdul Ridha Al-Khuza'i, stated in a press release on Sunday [16 Feb 2025] that "cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported among buffalo in the areas of Fudhailiyah, Jurf Al-Naddaf, Hay Al-Wahda, and Nahrawan in Baghdad province."
Following the outbreak, veterinary teams from the Ministry of Agriculture, along with supporting departments, were immediately mobilized. They conducted health assessments of the affected animals in veterinary hospitals and clinics, sent samples to central laboratories for precise diagnosis, administered necessary treatments, and disinfected barns with antiviral agents, Al-Khuza'i added.
According to the spokesperson, the most severe infections were observed in young buffalo, with mortality rates around 5%, which remains within normal limits. He further noted that due to the "significant efforts" of veterinary health teams, infection rates have "started to decline" over the past 2 days.
He assured that "all medications and medical treatments are available in large quantities at veterinary hospitals and clinics across all Iraqi provinces," emphasizing that "foot-and-mouth disease only spreads among animals and does not transmit to humans."
Al-Khuza'i also "categorically denied" any infections originating from imported livestock, stating that all imported animals were thoroughly examined and confirmed to be free from epidemic diseases following rigorous veterinary procedures.
Foot-and-mouth disease has been endemic in Iraq since the 1930s and resurfaces approximately every 4 to 5 years under specific conditions, such as a drop in temperatures, according to Al-Khuza'i.
Meanwhile, the director-general of the Veterinary Department, Thamer Habib Hamza Al-Khafaji, told Rudaw Media Network that recent FMD infections have been detected but remain "under control." He explained that "strict preventive measures" have been implemented to curb the spread of the disease.
FMD cases emerged in Iraq 5 to 7 days ago, and veterinary offices across various provinces have reported confirmed infections, Al-Khafaji noted.
In response, swift measures were enforced to contain the outbreak, including restricting animal movement in the Fudhailiyah and Hay Al-Wahda areas of Baghdad and preventing livestock from being transported to other provinces to limit the spread of infection, as confirmed by the director-general.
Al-Khafaji added that veterinary teams have been working continuously for the past 5 days, including on holidays, to control the disease by using specialized materials to curb the spread of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The virus is heat sensitive and dies at 30 deg C [86 deg F].
Regarding reports of livestock losses worth billions, Al-Khafaji dismissed these claims as "media exaggerations," stressing that "anyone seeking accurate information can refer to the Veterinary Department, where all verified facts are available."
Iraq has conducted free vaccination campaigns between 2011 and 2025, distributing between 7 to 9 million doses annually to prevent the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on the national economy and livestock industry, according to Al-Khafaji.
He concluded by reassuring the public that "the situation is under control, and there is no cause for concern," urging media outlets to rely on official sources rather than spreading exaggerated reports.
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[FMDV is enzootic in Iraq (https://www.wrlfmd.org/western-and-central-asia/iraq). The last WOAH follow-up report regarding FMDV situation dates back to August 2023. Reported outbreaks were due to the emerging SAT2/XIV lineage (https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-event/4856/dashboard). In 2024, FMDV outbreaks due to this emerging lineage were also registered across several governorates. A vaccination campaign started in August 2024 using a vaccine containing O, A, Asia-1, and SAT 2 serotypes. More information can be found at https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/6846bb27-c64b-4482-881d-093d5b0e3af9/content and https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/876497c7-3531-4116-abbf-cf362bd50ff1/content.
ProMED would appreciate receiving any available information regarding the epidemiological situation, particularly the FMDV serotype(s)/topotype(s) currently circulating in Iraq. - Mod.SF
ProMED map:
Iraq: https://promedmail.org/promed-post?place=8722250,89]
