Recurring livestock disease kills animals in Dinarta, prompts calls for vaccination effort

DUHOK — A livestock disease has been spreading in recent weeks in villages around the Dinarta subdistrict, located in the Akre District of Duhok governorate, killing several calves and goats, according to local officials.

Dilshad Darwish, administrative director of Dinarta, told 964media that the illness is a recurring problem at the start of summer each year. “Every year at the beginning of summer, a large number of livestock become infected with this disease,” he said. “This year is no different.”

The illness, believed to be viral, causes swelling and lesions on the mouths and heads of animals, leading to a loss of appetite. Around 15 calves and goats have died so far, with more animals reportedly weakened.

“The disease has spread in villages within the subdistrict, especially in the village of Tutia Khwaru, and this is what led to the deaths,” Darwish said. He added that many of the affected animals had not been vaccinated, despite repeated requests for veterinary intervention.

While the outbreak has been concentrated in Dinarta, similar livestock deaths have been reported in surrounding areas, where animal carcasses have been buried on village outskirts.

Periodic outbreaks have raised alarm among herders across Duhok governorate. On Dec. 25, 2024, more than 50 sheep, goats, and calves died during a disease outbreak in Deraluk subdistrict and nearby villages in Amedi. Local veterinarians at the time cited a lack of preventive vaccination. On April 3, 2025, a separate illness killed more than 300 goats over two weeks in Khardas village in Akre, alarming local residents.