Kurdistan Region issues Eid Al-Adha animal slaughter guidelines

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Agriculture has issued official guidelines for the slaughter of animals during the Eid al-Adha holiday, emphasizing the importance of public health, safety, and hygiene throughout the process.

The holiday begins Friday, and according to the ministry, all designated slaughterhouses will remain open during the festivities. These facilities will be staffed with medical and veterinary personnel to oversee proper procedures. The ministry said the names and working hours of slaughter points will be announced through media outlets and local administrative units.

The guidelines stress the need for full inspections both before and after slaughter, including evaluation of the animals and resulting meat. Slaughterhouses are required to follow strict hygiene protocols, including regular disinfection using approved chemicals.

Only healthy animals free from illness or external parasites may be used for sacrifice. Sellers are prohibited from administering any medications to animals intended for slaughter within three weeks of sale.

The ministry also issued safety instructions for individuals performing the slaughter, including the use of gloves and protective clothing and avoidance of public gatherings around slaughter sites. Tools and surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use.

Meat should be packaged in clean, transparent, colorless nylon bags and transported under proper temperature conditions. It should then be refrigerated for 24 hours before consumption.

The ministry warned against the disposal of animal remains in public areas such as streets, alleys, and markets, urging the public to follow proper waste disposal procedures to avoid health risks.