Iraq records 152 hemorrhagic fever cases, 9 deaths since start of year

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Agriculture said 152 cases of hemorrhagic fever and 9 deaths have been recorded across the country since the beginning of the year, with the southern province of Dhi Qar reporting the highest case count. Ministry of Agriculture Director General of Veterinary Affairs Mohammed Aziz al-Mayahi said the disease spreads as tick activity increases during the summer months. To curb tick-borne transmission, cattle and buffalo are being treated with 5% deltamethrin, while barns and shelters are being sprayed with 10% cypermethrin, al-Mayahi said. The spring campaign, originally set to begin in early April and run for one month, has been extended until mid-May because of cold weather conditions this year. Regional veterinary hospital directors have also been authorized to adjust operations based on local conditions. The ministry said it has provided vehicles, personnel and pesticides for the campaigns, and that an autumn tick-treatment effort will begin in mid-September. In Dhi Qar, the pesticides "Power On" and "Evermectin" have been deployed, and 1,000 gallons of deltamethrin secured through coordination with the Al-Abbas Holy Shrine have been distributed to veterinary hospitals in Dhi Qar and surrounding provinces. Al-Mayahi said field operations would continue to protect livestock and public health.