Latest news with #Crimean-CongoHemorrhagicFever
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq's butchers bear the brunt of CCHF Crisis
Shafaq News/ In 2025, Iraq has recorded at least 96 cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), including 13 deaths, according to the latest data from the Public Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health and Shafaq News tracker. Official statements emphasize that the outbreak remains under control. However, health officials familiar with the situation told Shafaq News—on condition of anonymity—that the true number of infections is likely much higher than reported, citing underreporting in rural areas and limited diagnostic capabilities. Nearly all confirmed infections are concentrated among high-risk occupational groups: livestock breeders, animal transporters, and especially butchers. Within this vulnerable segment, butchers face a compounded risk—not only from direct contact with potentially infected animals but from the deteriorating infrastructure that forces them to operate outside official and sanitary channels. 'We Are Forced Outside the System' Muhammad Ali, a butcher in Babil Province with more than three decades of experience, described the daily hazards of his profession. 'We try to follow the laws and health instructions,' he explained, 'but the reality is we're often forced to slaughter outside official abattoirs—not because we want to break the rules, but because there simply aren't enough slaughterhouses.' Ali points to a chronic lack of facilities, especially during high-demand seasons such as Eid Al-Adha, when families sacrifice an animal—typically a sheep, goat, or cow—and distribute the meat to family, relatives, and people in poverty. 'The few slaughterhouses that do exist are overwhelmed. We wait for hours. Work becomes unbearable, customers get angry, and the delay sometimes ruins the meat. Then we are blamed, even though the fault lies in the system's inability to serve us.' He warns that the legal risks butchers face for so-called 'unauthorized slaughter' ignore the economic and logistical pressures that push them into these situations. 'We're not criminals. We're surviving.' Ali calls for urgent interventions: more licensed slaughterhouses, mobile abattoirs for underserved areas, and even temporary legal alternatives supervised by health authorities. 'Without keep working in the shadows—and we'll keep getting sick.' A Nationwide Gap in Slaughter Infrastructure Dr. Thaer Sabri Hussein, Director of the Epidemiology Department at Iraq's Veterinary Authority, confirmed the infrastructure crisis. 'There are only 52 official slaughterhouses in Iraq, and most are in poor condition,' he told Shafaq News. 'We need at least 300 to meet current demand. The few modern facilities we do have are negligible.' The Ministry of Agriculture has submitted a formal request to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers to approve the construction of modern abattoirs. As a temporary measure, the Ministry of Environment has been tasked with rehabilitating defunct facilities. However, officials acknowledge that these efforts fall short of addressing the scale of the problem. Cities most affected by unregulated slaughter include Baghdad, which houses more than 10 million people, and now records the highest number of infections (29,) followed by religious hubs like Karbala and Najaf, where massive pilgrimages frequently overwhelm municipal services. 'These areas are hotspots not only for illegal slaughter but also for potential disease transmission,' Hussein warned. Although Iraqi law restricts animal slaughter to official facilities under Article 105 of the 1983 Veterinary Code, enforcement is lax. Hussein admits, 'In reality, controlling unregulated slaughter is extremely difficult. That's why we're focusing on awareness campaigns to educate livestock handlers and the public about the importance of safe practices.' Fighting Disease with Incomplete Tools To curb the spread of CCHF, the Ministry of Agriculture conducts two national anti-tick spraying campaigns annually, targeting the blood-sucking parasite responsible for transmitting the virus. When an infection is confirmed in a specific area, it is classified as a 'disease hotspot,' triggering emergency spraying and a halt to animal movement until livestock are examined and treated. Yet these reactive measures are constrained by limited reach and chronic underfunding. Without systemic reforms—especially in slaughterhouse availability and enforcement mechanisms—such interventions remain insufficient.
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Health
- Shafaq News
Kirkuk bans public Eid slaughter amid CCHF concerns
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Kirkuk remains free of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), health and local authorities announced on Wednesday, while implementing strict Eid al-Adha slaughtering rules to prevent potential outbreaks. CCHF carries a high fatality rate and often resurfaces around Eid al-Adha due to increased animal handling. Health officials have warned that unregulated slaughter practices significantly raise transmission risks. 'Preventive measures remain in force,' Spokesperson for the Kirkuk Health Department Saman Yaebeh told Shafaq News, noting that all animal sacrifices must take place exclusively inside the city's modern slaughterhouse under veterinary supervision. Acting District Commissioner Falah Khaleel Yaychili further issued formal directives banning animal slaughter in streets and open areas, citing public health and environmental protection laws. He added that veterinary teams will oversee pre- and post-slaughter inspections throughout the holiday. 'Any violation of these rules will trigger strict legal action,' he warned, urging residents to follow official guidelines to preserve public health and ensure a safe holiday environment.
Observer
a day ago
- General
- Observer
Follow animal handling guidelines to avoid Congo fever during Eid: MoH
Muscat: As Oman prepares for Eid, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised the public to take precautions against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans. According to the ministry, the slaughter of livestock poses potential health risks if proper safety measures are not followed. In a recent awareness campaign, the MOH highlighted the importance of preventive actions when dealing with animals and animal products. The ministry emphasised that Congo fever is a viral disease that can be transmitted through several means: Tick bites from infected ticks. Direct contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals during slaughter. Direct contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids. The campaign urges citizens and residents to use personal protective equipment when handling animals and meat, especially during slaughtering and meat processing. The ministry stressed, 'The best protection is to follow all preventive measures while dealing with animals and their remains." The awareness drive came as part of the government's broader public health strategy to prevent zoonotic diseases and ensure a safe Eid celebration across the country. Meanwhile, Muscat Municipality said in a statement that slaughterhouses and fruit and vegetable markets undergo intensive preparations during the festive seasons to provide integrated services for consumers, as municipality continues its efforts to ensure service quality and maintain public health and safety.
Rudaw Net
a day ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
New Crimean-Congo fever case confirmed in Duhok
Also in Kurdistan Cabinet formation needed despite 'illegitimate' parliament: Komal leader Canada opens business council to enhance cooperation with Erbil, Baghdad: Ambassador Energy deals with US to boost industrial, economic growth: KRG official KDP accuses 'some' in Baghdad of eroding federalism, using salaries for leverage A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region's health ministry confirmed on Tuesday a new case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in the northern Duhok province. 'A 28 year-old resident of Batifa district in [Duhok's] Zakho area, who works as a livestock farmer and had contact with animals,' developed symptoms of CCHF, the ministry said in a statement. 'Several diagnostic procedures and medical treatments have been undertaken,' the statement added, noting that the patient is currently under medical supervision and his condition is stable. The ministry further urged anyone working with animals to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms related to the disease. This is the fifth confirmed CCHF case in the Kurdistan Region this year. Previously, two cases - including one fatal - were reported in Duhok province, one in Koya, and another individual originally from Basra tested positive in Erbil. CCHF is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through multiple routes, including bites from infected ticks, contact with blood or tissues of infected animals, exposure to bodily fluids of infected persons, and consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected livestock. As of early May, Iraq had reported 53 confirmed infections and seven deaths, according to Riyadh al-Halfi, director general of the Public Health Directorate at the federal health ministry. Preventive measures continue to be implemented, including the use of protective gear such as gloves, masks, and goggles, especially for those handling animals or meat. Veterinary hospitals have also launched large-scale tick control campaigns since late April. The Iraqi government stated in April that it is 'exerting full efforts' to contain the outbreak, reassuring citizens that 'with proper measures in place, transmission to citizens will remain rare.' The federal health ministry urged caution when handling meat, recommending the use of protective gloves and separate utensils for raw meat.
Rudaw Net
19-05-2025
- Health
- Rudaw Net
Mosul woman diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever in Erbil
Also in Kurdistan President Barzani pushes to boost Erbil-Tehran ties, elevate Kurdistan Region's status The secrets of Soran: A 7,000-year-old discovery KDP, PUK to contest Iraq's 2025 legislative elections separately: KRG deputy PM Kurdistan Region governors to visit Sanandaj for economy talks A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A woman from Mosul has been diagnosed with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Erbil, the Kurdistan Region's health ministry announced on Sunday, amid nationwide concern over rising CCHF cases. 'A citizen from Mosul was diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever in Erbil,' the Region's health ministry stated, elaborating that the infected woman is 27 years old. The ministry added that in the last month, two other CCHF cases had been reported in the Kurdistan Region. One patient in the Region's northern Duhok province, who had passed away, and another who completely recovered and was discharged from the hospital. The ministry did not specify the location of the second case. In early May, the Kurdistan Region recorded its first confirmed case of CCHF in the town of Koya, southeast of Erbil. CCHF is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted to humans through multiple routes, including bites from infected ticks, contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals, exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals, and consumption of raw or undercooked meat from infected livestock. As of early May, Iraq had reported 53 confirmed infections and seven deaths, the director general of the country's Public Health Directorate at the health ministry, Riyadh al-Halfi, then told Rudaw. Preventive measures are ongoing. They include the use of protective gear, such as gloves, masks, and goggles, especially for those who work with animals or meat. Veterinary hospitals have also been conducting large-scale tick control campaigns since late April. The Iraqi government stated in April that it is 'exerting full efforts' to contain the outbreak, reassuring citizens that 'with proper measures in place, transmission to citizens will remain rare.' The ministry then urged caution in meat handling, especially among homemakers, recommending the use of protective gloves and separate utensils for raw meat.
