Baghdad: The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a ban on the import of all types of poultry and birds following the emergence of bird flu cases in Iran. This decision is part of a series of precautionary measures to monitor and control avian influenza.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry has intensified efforts through the Veterinary Department to monitor and investigate the situation after Iran reported cases in poultry. The measures include a comprehensive ban on importing live and frozen poultry, eggs, ornamental birds, birds of prey, and any other poultry products from Iran.

The Director General of the Veterinary Department, Thamer Habib Hamza Al-Khafaji, has instructed veterinary hospitals across all governorates to enhance monitoring and investigation efforts in poultry farms, home breeding, and bird markets. Veterinary teams have been urged to report any suspected cases or deaths immediately and to send samples to central laboratories for analysis.

Al-Khafaji highlighted the imp
ortance of using personal protective equipment and educating breeders to prevent contact between migratory wild birds and poultry. He also stressed the role of security forces in regulating poultry movements, which must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate to ensure their safety, thereby supporting the national economy and protecting the poultry sector.