The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Health has introduced strict preventive measures to stop the spread of hemorrhagic fever ahead of Eid al-Adha.
As Eid approaches, authorities have become increasingly concerned after Iraq recorded several confirmed cases of the disease in different provinces. Therefore, the ministry announced a comprehensive plan in coordination with veterinary and agricultural authorities.
A key measure includes a complete ban on animal slaughter inside homes, neighborhoods, and public streets. Instead, citizens must only use licensed slaughterhouses approved by health authorities. In addition, officials have launched public awareness campaigns across the Kurdistan Region. These campaigns aim to educate residents about prevention methods and the dangers of direct contact with infected animals.
Authorities have also started disinfecting livestock areas and monitoring animal movement more closely. Meanwhile, officials banned livestock imports from areas that recorded confirmed infections during the past 21 days. In an official statement, the Health Ministry instructed health directorates in Erbil, Sulaimani, Duhok, Halabja, Soran, Zakho, Raparin, Garmian, and Koya to fully implement protective measures.
The ministry also ordered butchers to wear special gloves and protective clothing while handling meat. Furthermore, workers must regularly disinfect slaughter tools and workspaces using chlorine and other approved cleaning materials. Under the new guidelines, health teams now classify suspected cases into three categories: suspected, probable, and confirmed. Doctors identify infections through symptoms such as fever, headache, skin bleeding, and nosebleeds, alongside laboratory tests including PCR analysis.
Meanwhile, authorities advised citizens visiting agricultural areas to wear long-sleeved and light-colored clothing. They also warned residents to avoid direct contact with ticks, which remain the primary carriers of the virus. Officials further urged families to buy meat only from licensed markets with valid health permits.
Hemorrhagic fever is a dangerous viral disease. It spreads mainly through tick bites or direct contact with infected animal blood. As warmer weather begins, health authorities continue taking preventive steps to protect public safety across Kurdistan.