The Ministry of Agriculture has intensified its regulatory measures against violators of the approved controls and conditions in slaughtering and butchering operations, confirming coordination with security authorities to take legal action against violators. It urged citizens to purchase meat from trusted outlets and slaughterhouses and to ensure the presence of the official veterinary seal on it.
The ministry's spokesperson, Qusai Al-Hattab, stated in a statement reviewed by the News Video Agency, that the ministry has supervisory committees affiliated with the Veterinary Department, which are responsible for monitoring butcher shops and approved slaughterhouses in Baghdad and the provinces, noting that the regulatory teams conduct field tours continuously.
Al-Hattab confirmed that strict measures have been taken in coordination with security forces against those carrying out random slaughtering operations or any practices that violate veterinary regulations, indicating that the ministry has veterinary quarantine facilities at all border crossings, working in coordination with security authorities to monitor the movement of livestock and animal products entering the country and ensure their compliance with the approved conditions.
He explained that the livestock sector and meat industry face significant challenges due to their direct link to food security and public health, necessitating continued regulatory and preventive measures throughout the stages of meat production and trade.
He noted that preventive measures to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic fever infection are ongoing, including intensified spraying campaigns with pesticides for cattle and buffalo, alongside dipping operations for sheep and goats, as well as equipping veterinary hospitals with pesticides and necessary personal protective equipment for control operations.
Al-Hattab urged citizens to exercise caution when purchasing meat and to rely on licensed and trusted shops and slaughterhouses, ensuring the presence of the official veterinary seal, as it indicates that the meat has undergone inspection and the approved health and veterinary procedures.