Iraq blocks entry of 1,750 Colombian cattle over foot-and-mouth disease

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture has barred the entry of 1,750 head of live cattle from Colombia after foot-and-mouth disease was detected in the shipment. Agriculture Minister Abdulrahim al-Jasim al-Shammari issued the import ban following preliminary examinations by the ministry's Veterinary Department. The ministry said border veterinary teams had been carrying out comprehensive health inspections on imported animals, particularly at the Trebil border crossing, as part of efforts to protect the livestock sector and prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Al-Shammari stressed that scientific screening would be used to support the local meat market from reliable sources and to keep diseased animals out of the country. The move follows the Veterinary Department's decision on May 22 to raise its alert level over an outbreak risk after foot-and-mouth disease cases were reported in Syria's Raqqa region. Border veterinary units have been instructed to report any suspected cases immediately. No further details on the shipment or its importer were immediately available.