Following the outbreak of avian influenza in Iran, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has tightened preventive measures to protect its poultry sector. Imports of all types of birds and poultry products from Iran have been officially banned.
Firas Sadiq, Director of Animal Resources at the KRG Ministry of Agriculture, told Ava Media that no cases of bird flu have been recorded in the Kurdistan Region so far. However, he confirmed that monitoring efforts have intensified to prevent any possible spread of the virus.
Sadiq explained that, due to the outbreak in Iran, import permits for poultry and related products have been suspended. He also noted that precautionary steps were strengthened after the virus appeared in Iran’s western provinces.
In response, the Higher Committee for Avian Influenza convened in Nineveh province and introduced immediate measures. These include banning the transport of live birds, eggs, and poultry feed from affected or suspected areas. Movement of poultry between infected zones and other regions is strictly prohibited.
Vehicles returning from affected areas must undergo disinfection before re-entering the Kurdistan Region. Sadiq emphasized that these measures will remain in place until the situation stabilizes.
The KRG has also developed an advanced internal plan involving border checkpoints, airports, veterinary labs, and poultry farms to prevent the disease’s spread.