Iraq rejects Jordanian cattle shipment over foot-and-mouth disease at Trebil crossing

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Authority of Customs said a cattle shipment arriving from Jordan was denied entry after laboratory tests confirmed the animals were carrying foot-and-mouth disease. In a statement released on Thursday, the authority said officers at the Trebil border customs center halted a consignment of imported cattle belonging to a private company, working in coordination with the relevant veterinary units. The presence of the disease was verified through official tests and reports issued by the veterinary hospital in Anbar province, according to the authority. The center's administration has since begun the legal procedures required to return the shipment to Jordan under the supervision of a joint commission formed by the relevant parties, in line with applicable technical guidance. The General Authority of Customs said the action was taken to prevent the spread of infectious disease and to protect livestock and food safety. It added that inspections at border crossings would continue in coordination with supporting agencies and that shipments deemed to pose a risk to public health or the economy would be barred from entering the country. No further details on the size or value of the consignment were immediately available.