PM assigned government committee: Foot-and-mouth disease is not transmitted to humans

INA - BAGHDAD

PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani directed the formation of an investigative committee on Tuesday to examine the reported cases of foot-and-mouth disease affecting buffalo and cattle. The committee comprises experts in veterinary medicine and livestock.

The committee has commenced its work by monitoring cases of animal fatalities and identifying their causes through field visits, collecting disease samples for foot-and-mouth disease testing, and leveraging both local and international expertise, stated the PM's Media Office in a statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

This process is being conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with the samples set to be tested in specialized laboratories. Additionally, the Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to assess and document damages while tracking the occurrence and spread of the disease.

The committee assures citizens that this disease affects livestock only and does not pose a risk to humans through the consumption of animal products such as meat, milk, and dairy products. It does not threaten consumer health.