Under a $10 million project, FAO is closely working with Iraqi veterinary staff to upgrade the animal health infrastructure and to protect farm animals from epidemic and endemic diseases and reduce public health risks. FAO said Tuesday that veterinary services in Iraq have been severely damaged after years of neglect and post conflict upheavals.
The UN agency is currently working to restore urgently needed veterinary services in the country to protect farm animals and humans from epidemic diseases.
Iraq has a herd of approximately 2.5 million cattle and 17 million sheep and goats. Livestock production is extensive and herds migrate throughout Iraq and neighbouring countries.
Any increase in livestock diseases would have a negative effect on the supply of protein-rich food such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, meat and eggs and would have a severe impact on food security.
But with appropriate animal disease control and surveillance, Iraq could produce much of its animal products and thus reduce the current high level of imports of meat, animal fats, eggs and dairy products.
Iraq is facing a serious deficit in disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, both crucial elements in fighting endemic and exotic animal diseases, FAO said.
