Duhok bans red meat and livestock imports after hemorrhagic fever cases

DUHOK — Authorities in Duhok have banned the import of red meat and livestock into the governorate following the confirmation of multiple cases of hemorrhagic fever, a disease that can spread through contact with infected animal blood or tissue.

The decision, made after a meeting between the provincial administration and relevant departments, aims to safeguard public health by restricting the entry of red meat and live animals from all Iraqi governorates. The ban took effect Saturday and will remain in place indefinitely, officials said.

Amin Yaseen Amedi, head of veterinary communications in Duhok, told 964media that meat brought in from other Kurdistan Region governorates must be accompanied by official documentation from veterinary authorities in those areas.

“All border checkpoints and district inspection stations in Duhok have been instructed to enforce the directive,” Amedi said.

Officials said the move comes amid rising concerns over hemorrhagic fever, which poses a recurring threat in Iraq, especially in rural areas during the warmer months. The disease can be transmitted through tick bites or direct contact with infected animals or bodily fluids.

Three cases have been confirmed in Duhok in less than a month. A 45-year-old woman from Shiladze died from the disease on May 10. A second case was confirmed in Amedi on May 22 involving a 43-year-old woman, and a third was reported in Batifa on June 3.

Nationwide, Iraq’s Health Ministry announced on May 28 that 95 cases had been recorded since the start of the year, including 13 deaths. Officials said medical institutions across the country are prepared to diagnose and respond to new infections and that the situation remains under control.