CCHF in Kurdistan: Life warning to the citizens

Shafaq News/ Authorities in the Kurdistan region in the Iraqi region have started the public health and veterinary measures for emergency and veterinary measures after confirming the first case of the Hemorrhagian Crimean Congo fever (CCHF).

The Ministry of Health warned that non-compliance with hygiene and security protocols could accelerate the spread of the virus, which causes severe hemorrhagic symptoms and has no specific healing.

“The vector control is critical … ticks, mosquitoes and bats are all known carriers,” said Dr. Kawa Dizaye, an expert for veterinarians, who demanded immediate vaccination of cattle and routine disinfection of barns and slaughterhouses.

CCHF, which has been proven in Africa, Asia and parts of America, can lead to inner bleeding and death if they are not treated. Dizaye compared the risk of public health with Covid-19 in the early stages and demanded urgent and coordinated interventions.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) promised stricter enforcement of the regulations for slaughterhouses and warned that not licensed battles are a direct threat to public health. “Meat inspected by the authorities should only be sold,” Ahmed, a butcher in Erbil, told Shafaq News. “Battles outside the location is ruthless and dangerous.”

Health officers confirmed that inspections are increased and violations are punished. Citizens are asked to report not authorized slaughter activities.

According to Shafaq News Tracker, Iraq has recorded 36 cases of CCHF, including seven deaths, since the beginning of 2025.