Avian Influenza Threatens Iraq’s Poultry Sector: Rising Risks and Enhanced Protective Measures

Recently, Iraq has witnessed a severe outbreak of the highly contagious 'H5N1' avian influenza strain among poultry, causing significant concern within health and agricultural circles. According to reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health, thousands of birds have died in flocks in Bashiqa, northern Iraq, prompting authorities to implement stringent preventive measures. This outbreak comes amid previous warnings about escalating health risks and food security challenges, especially given the disease’s rapid spread and its potential to cross into different regions.

As a proactive step, Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture has imposed a comprehensive ban on all types of poultry imports from neighboring Iran, following similar reported cases there. Authorities have also intensified surveillance and activated rapid response teams to monitor infection sites and prevent the disease from reaching new areas. Emphasis has been placed on adhering to biosecurity protocols on farms and in markets to curb viral transmission risks.

Experts urge breeders, farmers, and consumers to exercise caution when handling poultry and poultry products, avoid sources of infection, and quickly notify relevant authorities if any cases are suspected. These efforts aim to protect animal resources and the safety of the food supply chain, amidst growing threats to national food security and public health.

The outbreak of avian influenza in Iraq presents a new challenge to the agricultural sector, requiring swift, coordinated responses from all stakeholders to ensure prevention and control of the disease’s spread.