Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Vallat
Director General
World Organization for Animal Health
12 rue de prony 75017 Paris
b.vallat@oie.int
Iraq has been free from Rinderpest since 1996, a large-scale annual vaccination
campaigns for all susceptible animals were conducted from 1985 until 2003, where the
Veterinary Authorities took the decision to cease vaccination against the disease, the local
vaccines producer company Al- Kindi co. for production of veterinary vaccines and drugs
was requested to halt all production of Rinderpest vaccine and hold no stocks at this time.
Rinderpest serosurveillance undertaken in from 2006 to 2008 indicated the absence of
sub-clinical Rinderpest.
I’m report the demonstration of the ability of our diseases monitoring and surveillance
program to prove that any Rinderpest is absent and any incursion could be detected by the
Veterinary Services of Iraq
I would request to examine the contents of the dossier with a view to placing the Iraq on
the list of countries deemed free from Rinderpest infection.
The Iraqi State Company for Veterinary Services extends you its warmest greeting.
Kindly Regards
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Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Agriculture
State Company for Veterinary
Services
JANUARY 2009
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List of abbreviations:
Page | 3
1. Introduction
Iraq is a Middle Eastern country situated at the cross roads of international transportation and trade between the three
continents, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Iraq is located around 33 degrees North and 44 degrees East. The country is bordered by Turkey to the North, Iran to the East,
Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to the South, Syria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (HKJ) to the West.
The land boundaries total 3650 km. The country has a 58 km coastline on the Arabian Gulf near Basrah in the South of the
country.
Map of Iraq showing topography and borders.
The area of Iraq is 437,072 km2. The country is crossed by the rivers Tigris and Euphrates draining from highlands in Turkey
and Syria respectively, and running from North to South throughout the country. There are several physically different zones.
The West and Southwest are largely sandy desert plains (Anbar, Muthannā, Najaf governorate) with mild to cool cloudy winters
and dry hot dusty summers. The East is dry but hilly and mountainous towards the border with Iran. The northern region is
mountainous along the Iranian and Turkish border and experiences cold winters with occasionally heavy snow that melts in early
spring sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq. The South of Iraq is fertile land containing extensive
marshes in and around the deltas of the two rivers (Nassriyah, Missan and Basrah governorates).
Rainfall is below 300 mm per annum in the North and considerably less in the centre and South of Iraq. Temperatures range
from more than 500 C in summer to below 00 C in winter. Most of the country's centres of population are close to and dependent
upon the rivers which also provide continuous irrigation for farming along their courses facilitating crop and fodder production
that supports livestock farming.
Neighbouring countries that have epidemiological significance for Iraq are Turkey, Syria, KSA and Iran because of significant
seasonal movement of pastoral livestock, especially sheep, between these countries.
The country is divided into eighteen main administrative units, or “Governorates (Provinces)” Three of the northern
governorates, Sulaimaniyah, Erbil and Dohuk, have historically operated under a degree of autonomy and are referred to in this
dossier as the “Kurdish Region”.
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Map of Iraq showing the Governorates (provinces)
1.2.1 Statistics
Traditional livestock rearing in Iraq depends mainly on grazing pastures within or close to the defined borders of towns and
villages. Most cattle are kept as small contained dairy herds living in the villages and towns or their environs. They are have
little or restricted movement outside the village and are fed though limited local grazing supplemented with seasonal crop
residues Replacements are mainly provided by breeding from within the village or neighbourhood, and there is sale of culled
and excess animals to markets and directly to slaughter. A number of much larger commercial dairy “stations” with several
thousand animals have become less active due to the current situation in Iraq. Most of these animals are Friesian or Holstein
breeds, and due to inbreeding are now reaching uneconomical levels of production.
Buffaloes have a more localised distribution than cattle, because of their requirements for water, and predominantly are found
in the southern marshes near Iran (Basrah, Nassriyah and Missan governorates), near the two main rivers in the centre of the
country (Babel and Baghdad governorates), and in Nineveh governorate in the North. They are kept in the villages and towns
close to water. There is little or no legal movement between the governorates or across international borders, and very limited
illegal movement.
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Graph showing the cattle and buffalo population size in the different governorates (Provinces) of Iraq
Cattle and Buffaloes Population in Iraq
200000
180000
160000
140000
120000
100000
Cattle
80000
Buffaloes
60000
40000
20000
Sheep have a wider distribution in the country than cattle and buffaloes. They are kept under semi-closed conditions in the
riverine villages and towns and grazed on local pastures, similar to village cattle and buffaloes, with little movement outside the
village or governorate. In the drier western governorates however, there is much less water and grazing and many flocks are kept
under semi or fully nomadic systems. In these governorates, Nineveh, Anbar, Salah Aldine, Muthannā and Najaf, the sheep
flocks range over much larger areas in search of grazing and move between governorates and across international boundaries
with KSA, Jordan and Syria.
Although the country is not fully self-sufficient in animal products the Ministry of Agriculture has banned the importation of
livestock since the 1985 outbreak of Rinderpest. The shortfall in requirements has been made up recently by the importation of
red meat and poultry meat from a number of sources including India, Jordan and Brazil as follows: 2005, 19510 tons; 2006,
24203 tons, 2007, 22616 tons. There is strong inspection of imported products at veterinary quarantines scattered along Iraqi
border entry points (19 point), following OIE international animal health code guide lines.
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2. The veterinary system in Iraq.
The Veterinary Administration and Authority of Iraq is the Ministry of Agriculture. The Deputy Minister of Animal Wealth is
responsible, amongst other directorates, for the State Company for Veterinary Services (SCVS). The Director General of SCVS
is the “Chief Veterinary Officer” and represents Iraq at the OIE and he is the chief of Iraqi National Team for management
Transboundary Animal Disease.
The SCVS have number of departments include:
- Animal Health
- Epidemiology
- Planning and Implementation
- Media information and veterinary gaudiness
- Quarantines
- Storage and supplements
- Meat inspection
- Quality control
- National project for brucellosis and tuberculosis control
- Public health and food safety laboratory
- National Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (NC-TADs) laboratory.
- Central Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (CVDL) .This laboratory had several units such as:
- Serology
- Microbiology (Bacteriology, Mycoplasma and Virology)
- Parasitology
- Histopathology
- Poultry and fish disease
- Veterinary Insect
Samples submitted to Public health and food safety laboratory were including meats and meats products, poultry, milk and
milk products, eggs, animal feed .Which were imported or collected from market and farms. The following explained the
activities of last three years.
All of which play complementary roles in routine and emergency disease reporting, disease surveillance and diagnosis, and
would be involved in the control of any outbreaks of Rinderpest. In addition the SCVS has a network of major clinic “hospitals”
(15) in every governorate, other than the Kurdish Region, with subsidiary clinics (approximately 250), that are the main
institutional part of the disease reporting, investigation and control structure and would play a key role in the detection and
control of Rinderpest. When required, the SCVS recruits national consultant expertise from retired personnel, universities and
other sources.
The Transboundary Animal Disease laboratory (TADs) is able to diagnose and assist the control of any outbreaks of
Rinderpest as well as support all surveillance work for this disease with other transboundary animal disease.
The Kurdish Region has its own Ministry of Agriculture and General Directorate of Animal Resources and Veterinary
Services. The Directorate has a network of major clinics “hospitals” (3) with subsidiary clinics (approximately 90) and similar to
the rest of Iraq and a CVDL with competence in virology and serology for Rinderpest.
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The General Director of Animal Resources and Veterinary Services in Kurdish region is deputy of the chief of the Iraqi
National Team for Management and Control of Transboundary Animal Disease and he is responsible for reporting any abnormal
events occurred in animal health situation including particularly Transboundary Animal Diseases.
One of the acts of the Iraqi National Team for Management and Control of Transboundary Animal Disease is cared out a
national survey for TADs disease for all parts of Iraq including Kurdish Region.
Private veterinary services are widely distributed throughout Iraq where there are livestock. These comprise clinics and
laboratories as well as veterinary pharmacies and equipment distributors. The private services interact closely with government
services in matters relating to notifiable diseases and would play a major role in the reporting of any possible outbreaks of
Rinderpest to the veterinary authority.
Ministry of Agriculture
Minister & Minister Deputy
State Company for Veterinary Services
Director General
Central Veterinary Diagnosis laboratory Lab. Veterinary Major Clinic (Hospital)
Serology, Microbiology, 18 VMC in all Iraq (3 in
Parasitology, Kurdistan region) with 340
Histopathology, Poultry and subsidiary clinics (90 in
fish diseases, Veterinary Kurdistan Region)
Insect
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2.3. Role of farmers
According to the veterinary legislation all farmers, livestock owners irrespective of forms of property, the population,
ministries and departments of all levels must render any gratis aid to the veterinary service in combating any infections,
including Rinderpest. The population and livestock farmer of the country is permanently informed about dangerous contagious
diseases, including Rinderpest.
2.4. Role of private veterinary profession in Rinderpest surveillance and control
Recognition and reporting of notifiable diseases relies upon observation of clinical signs by farmers, government field staff,
abattoir workers, and private veterinarians. All veterinarians are obliged to report notifiable diseases to the authorities. Reports
are submitted to the governorate major veterinary clinics (hospitals) either through veterinary clinics or directly.
Routine monthly reports of diseases confirmed by each governorate major veterinary clinic (hospital) and by laboratories
(Baghdad, Erbil) and other departments are sent to the Departments of Animal Health in the SCVS in Baghdad and Erbil.
Transboundary Animal Disease (TADs) Centre with its Laboratory was established in September 2008 which responsible for
management and controlling of Transboundary Animal Disease in Iraq.
3. Rinderpest eradication
1918 The first outbreak of Rinderpest in Iraq occurred following importation of Indian buffaloes by the British army. The
disease was controlled by movement restrictions and Slaughter, and eradicated in 1923. During this period the present Iraq
veterinary service including its current headquarters was established in Baghdad. Rinderpest was not present in the country from
that time until 1985.
1973 Production of tissue culture Kabete-O Rinderpest vaccine started in Abu-Graib (Al- Kindi co. for production of
veterinary vaccines and drugs) laboratory in Baghdad, for export. It was not used in Iraq at this time or in the early1980s when
Rinderpest affected several neighboring countries.
1985 In March, Indian buffaloes illegally entered the South of Iraq without any quarantine measures. Because indigenous
animals in the border zone had not been vaccinated against Rinderpest they were fully susceptible. The disease appeared in Iraqi
buffaloes and cattle soon after the illegal entry of Indian buffaloes, and then spread rapidly throughout the national cattle and
buffalo populations.
1985 Iraq was obliged to use mass vaccination of cattle and buffaloes against Rinderpest for the first time, using locally
produced vaccine. Slaughter of clinically affected animals was also carried out during the first few months of the outbreak.
1985-1991 The vaccination campaign brought about a reduction in the incidence of new outbreaks but the disease was not
eliminated. Sporadic outbreaks and minor epidemics of Rinderpest persisted throughout Iraq despite mass vaccination.
1991 - 1994 in 1989 the FAO West Asia Rinderpest Eradication Campaign (WAREC) had started and had established its
headquarters in Baghdad. The national WAREC program for Iraq began in 1991 with a general survey for Rinderpest. The
survey searched for clinical disease and was supported by serology, virus isolation and antigen detection. It found that
Rinderpest was still prevalent and widespread, and concluded that improved mass vaccination should continue against the
disease. This was done until 1994.
1994 The improved levels of vaccination brought about a significant decrease in new outbreaks and the last case of
Rinderpest in central and southern Iraq was reported at the end of this year (but not notified to OIE). In the Kurdish Region,
however, cases of the disease continued.
1995 Research in Iraq had indicated that the optimum earliest age to vaccinate newly born calves under local conditions was
4.5 months. In view of the success of the mass vaccination program in central and southern Iraq it was decided to restrict
vaccination there to annual inoculation of all unvaccinated animals over 4.5 months old.
1996 The last case of Rinderpest was recorded in Iraq, at Erbil in the Kurdish Region.
1997 The veterinary authorities in the Kurdish Region decided, on advice from FAO, to stop all vaccination against the
disease.
1998-1999 On the advice of FAO Rinderpest sero-surveillance was carried out in the Kurdish Region of Iraq only.
Approximately 10% of the total samples were positive, with 46% of the 300 villages that were sampled having one or more
positive animal. These positive results were considered by national staff and FAO GREP to be due to the inclusion of older
vaccinated animals in the sample.
1999 – 2003 Vaccination of buffalo and cattle calves over 4.5 months old continued in central and southern Iraq.
2003 In March, since there had been no evidence of any cases of Rinderpest anywhere in Iraq since 1996, it was decided to
stop vaccination throughout the country. This decision coincided with the start of the second Gulf War which prevented routine
field activities. Vaccine production also ceased when the war destroyed Iraq's veterinary vaccine laboratory at Abu Ghraib (Al-
Kindi co. for production of veterinary vaccines and drugs).
2005-2006 A Rinderpest sero-surveys were carried out in central and southern Iraq. The sero-surveys results showed 21%
of antibody positive animals (25 villages), which was attributed to sampling older animals that had been vaccinated.
2006 April Iraq declared provisional freedom from Rinderpest to OIE.
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3.2. Present strategy against Rinderpest in Iraq.
There have been no cases of Rinderpest since 1996, vaccination for Rinderpest stopped in 2003, there is no disease in
immediately neighboring countries, and Iraq does not import significant numbers of live animals. Consequently Iraq considers
itself free of Rinderpest, and of little risk currently of infection from neighboring countries. The country's chosen strategy for
Rinderpest is to prove the absence of the disease from the national livestock population. To support the process of proving
freedom from Rinderpest Iraq has carried out various disease surveillance procedures which have failed to indicate the presence
of the disease in the country.
The first outbreak of Rinderpest in Iraq occurred in 1918. The disease controlled by movement restriction and slaughtering
and disease eradicated in 1923, Local production of Rinderpest vaccine started in 1973 in Al-Kindi Company for Production of
Veterinary Vaccines and Drugs in Baghdad. In March 1985 the disease appeared in Iraqi buffaloes and cattle soon after the
illegal entry of Indian buffaloes, Iraq was able to control the disease by using mass vaccination of buffaloes and cattle against
Rinderpest and slaughtering the infected animals.
To maintain our defence against this disease a large-scale annual vaccination campaigns for all susceptible animals were
conducted from 1985 until 2003, where the veterinary Authorities took the decision to cease vaccination against the diseases, the
local company AL- Kindi was requested to halt all production of Rinderpest vaccine and hold no stocks at this time. Iraq has
been free from Rinderpest since 1996 (no clinical disease has been detected). The last vaccination campaign was carried out in
2003.
Annual numbers of Rinderpest vaccinations administered in central and southern of Iraq in the five years before vaccination
stopped in 2003.
From 1989-1994, when FAO/UNDP establish WAREC (West Asia Rinderpest Eradication Campaign) and set the HQ of it in
Baghdad-Iraq, for conducting Rinderpest controlling strategies and eradication programmes in the region .Iraqi veterinary
authorities (The State Company for Veterinary Services) was joined the laboratory facility and specialist under its authority after
1994 (the time over of the WAREC program) and start to continue the WAREC program for Iraq only. For that reason the SCVS
establish a new laboratory (Rinderpest Laboratory), the responsibility of this specific laboratory was to managing the vaccine
campaign for Rinderpest and PPR with diagnosis of suspected cases to both diseases. In 2005 the Rinderpest laboratory
responsibility was pass to the central veterinary diagnostic laboratory – serological suction, the responsibility of this section was
to make a serological diagnosis to all livestock diseases and not for Rinderpest only.
In 9/2008 – and according to requirements of FAO/OIE in controlling transboundary animal diseases in which Rinderpest is
one of the TADs list, the SCVS was establish a more specific center and laboratory for TADs.
The act of SCVS in managing the control of contagious list A OIE disease is depend on law No.68 – 1936 and law No.37 –
1937 and their annexes .
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Results of Rinderpest c-ELISA test of breeding Australian bulls
Note: These bulls were housed in Abu - Graib region (Baghdad), this area was heavily infected with the 1st outbreak of
Rinderpest in Iraq 1985.
4. Rinderpest diagnosis
The Central Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (CVDL) in Baghdad and Erbil received samples for diagnosis of enteritis-
stomatitis syndrome (which it was not responds to medicinally treatments) from different governorates over the past three years
ago (2006, 2007, and 2008), the samples analysed and the results shown below:
Table shown the analysed sample for the diagnosis of cases have stomatitis syndrome submitted to CVDL, Baghdad, and Erbil
AGID, c-ELISA and VNT for Rinderpest was not performs as it was carried out jointly with the 2006 national Rinderpest
sero- surveillance. Only 25 villages were Positive using c-ELISA Abs for Rinderpest.
4.2. Overview of the Rinderpest approved laboratories, in particular to address the following points:
4.2.1. Procedures for the official accreditation of laboratories: The official evaluation of Transboundary Animal Diseases
laboratory was only from Iraqi veterinary colleges PhD professors specialists in Veterinary sciences and Microbiology
(Virology), more over the specialist staff of this laboratory which they had worked in WAREC FAO/UNDP program in Iraq are
still work in this laboratory.
Now we are working to develop the knowledge of our specialist and our equipments with cooperation of FAO, EU and
Reference laboratory in Pirbright – UK and other scientific organization, especially in isolation and serotyping of FMD virus
with other mucosal diseases viruses.
4.2.2. The participation in inter-laboratory validation tests (ring tests): Our TADs Laboratory staffs includes –MsC VMD and
Virology in Rinderpest disease, MsC in Virology in FMD, MsC Veterinary epidemiology, well training BVM as co-operators in
laboratory works, with a technical in biology. These staffs are under observation of a consultant of PhD professors from Bagdad
Veterinary College.
4.2.3. Is live virus handled: No laboratory and diagnostic laboratory are allowed to use and store infective diagnostic reagents
and materials except the SCVS in Baghdad and Erbil. Currently no live virus is handled in these laboratories.
4.2.4. Biosecurity measures applied: Any department and people cannot produce rinderpest vaccine and store materials with
virulent or avirulent Rinderpest virus without the Ministry permission
4.2.5. Details of the type of tests undertaken: Confirmative diagnosis is dependent on virus isolation and identification.
Pathogen identification tests include agar gel immuno-diffusion test, counter immunoelectrophoresis, c-ELISA and RT-PCR.
Retrospective diagnosis is dependent on antibody test (including competitive ELISA, neutralization test, and agar gel immuno
diffusion test). At present, the tests applied in Iraq are technically in conformity with those recommended by OIE.
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5. Rinderpest surveillance
Routine monthly reports of diseases confirmed by each governorate major veterinary clinic (hospital) and by the CVDLs and
other departments are sent to the Departments of Animal Health in the SCVS in Baghdad and Erbil. The Department of Animal
Health then analyse incoming reports and decide on follow-up investigations or control measures as appropriate. The data is
compiled for further epidemiological analysis and summary reports.
Serious outbreaks of disease and notifiable diseases can be reported without delay as “emergencies”. Rinderpest is a notifiable
disease in Iraq. Recognition and reporting of notifiable diseases relies upon observation of clinical signs by farmers, government
field staff, abattoir workers, and private veterinarians. All veterinarians are obliged to report notifiable diseases to the authorities.
Reports are submitted to the governorate major veterinary clinics (hospitals) either through veterinary clinics or directly. Each
major clinic (hospital) is responsible for forwarding these reports to the Departments of Animal Health in the SCVS in Baghdad,
and Erbil.
In response to such a report, primary investigation may be made by staff from the veterinary major clinic (hospital) that will
collect samples and sent to the CVDL and TADs laboratory in Baghdad or CVDL in Erbil, with a copy of their findings and
actions also sent to SCVS. If more investigation and sampling is required the SCVS and TADs Lab., CVDL will send a
specialized team to re-investigate the case.
Active surveillance programmes for Brucellosis and Screw Worm are operating in Iraq. They provide additional access to
farms by qualified field staff that are given details and carry out preliminary investigations and reporting of any possible
notifiable diseases, while, an important Rift Valley Fever (RVF) sero-surveys were carried out in central and southern of Iraq in
2006, the results of this survey were presented in FAO / Rome 20-24/2/2006.
Strengthening of disease surveillance, reporting and information management are all subjects identified for international
support in Iraq by organizations including FAO, EC and the governments of Australia and the United States of America.
Iraq is a member of the OIE and FAO and all reports of notifiable disease are forwarded to these organizations.
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Case reports of Screw Worm infection 2006-2008
Not: The majority of samples were collected from middle and southern part of Iraq and with the border area to Saudi Arabia
Kingdom, because it has the suitable environmental conditions for RVFV and the suspicions of related vector were presents
especially in the Marshlands and area behind it.
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Table show the numbers and ratio of animals have syndrome (clinically) of enteritis in all governorates through the last three
years which it was treated medicinally locally and heal without complication , the majority of these cases were due to
Enterobacteriacea Infection.
Table show the number of FMD case / outbreak which investigate for last three years
(c) Active searching for and thorough investigation of epidemiologically significant events (e.g. ‘stomatitis-enteritis syndrome’)
raising suspicion of Rinderpest (which may include participatory disease searching, combined with follow-up and investigation)
Sampling unit:
According to the OIE guidelines provided in Appendix 3.8.2, .a sampling unit is defined as a group of animals in sufficiently
close contact that individuals within the group are at approximately equally at risk for coming into contact with the virus. Giving
the current security problem in Iraq in order to facilitate the field implementation of the survey, the country was consider as one
stratum with 2 canters of commands: Baghdad and Erbil.
Stomatitis and enteritis syndrome % on the sampled animals and the test results
Stomatitis –
No. Enteritis Rinderpest FMD BVD
Governorate
of Sample Syndrome
(Sample)
Sulaimaniyah 540 23/540 0/23 15/23 8/23
Neniva 507 - - - -
Bābil 510 3/510 0/3 2/3 1/3
Missan 330 11/330 0/11 8/11 3/11
Baghdad 300 - - - -
Erbil 255 - - - -
Dayala 255 - - - -
Nasriyah 240 1/240 0/1 1/1 -
Diwanya 240 - - - -
Wāsit 240 - - - -
Salah Alden 210 - - - -
Dohuk 150 - - - -
Kirkuk 150 - - - -
Karbala 135 2/135 0/2 1/2 1/2
Anbar 120 - - - -
Basrah 105 - - - -
Muthannā 105 - - - -
Najaf 105 - - - -
Total 4497 40/4497 0/40 27/40 13/40
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As a follow-up of the 2nd national random survey, a collection of suitable serum samples were collected from the 25 villages
where Rinderpest antibody positive animals were found in the 2006 (1st national survey). The result from this further
investigation does not reveal any presence of antibodies suggesting that the sero-positive may have been due to non-specifically
positive or miss ageing of animal.
Table of the results of serum samples from the 25 villages which were Rinderpest sero-positive in the 1st national survey 2006
The Randomised serosurveys (second round in October/2008) was to examine statistically selected samples from relevant
strata within the susceptible populations to detect serological evidence of possible virus transmission and other virus with
stomatitis - enteritis syndrome. A total of 300 villages / herds randomly selected from all villages in Iraq, and weighted towards
the cattle and buffaloes populations in each governorate. Serum samples were collected from 15 young animals in each sampling
unit/village. Collection and testing of samples strictly followed recommendations of OIE on Rinderpest eradication and that of
Terrestrial Animals Health Code.
Only animals with two permanent incisors are included in the survey (12-24 month of age). The total numbers of 4497 sera
were collected. The sera were analysed for antibodies to Rinderpest by BDSL Diagnostic Rinderpest c-ELISA kit, and also using
IDEXX FMD-3ABC bo-ov Antibody Test kits and IDEXX Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Antibody Test Kits in the TADs
Laboratory in Baghdad and in CVDL in Erbil. The number of randomly selected villages visited during the survey is shown
below.
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53 positive samples over the 4497 were positive (1.17% % as prevalence) using ELISA kit. Further field investigation was
carried out in positive samples units. During that investigation, owner of the sero-positive animal were interview and the age of
animals was assess using dentition. The sero-positive may have been due to non-specifically positive or miss ageing of animal,
or some other type of cross-reaction or unexplained reason.
The distribution of RP c-ELISA PI value (using the Rinderpest c-ECLSA kits provided by Pirbright Laboratory)of bovine
serum from the 2008 survey is shown in the histogramme below. The PI is very high in the range between [31.35].
Number
700
600
500
Number by range
400
Number
300
200
100
0
< (-)30 (-)30, (-)10, 0, (- 0, 5 6, 10 11, 15 16, 20 21, 25 26, 30 31, 35 36, 40 41, 45 46, 50 51, 55 56, 60 >60
(-)20 (-)19 )0.9
PI Values Iraq
In the past, a substantial part of the rural population had been nomadic, moving animals between seasonal grazing areas.
Sheep and goats were the most important livestock, supplying meat, wool, milk, skins, and hair. A 1978 government survey,
which represented the most recent official data available as of early 1988, estimated the sheep population at 9.7 million and the
goat population at 2.1 million. Sheep and goats were tended primarily by nomadic and semi nomadic groups. The 1978 survey
estimated the number of cattle at 1.7 million, the number of water buffalo at 170,000, the number of horses at 53,000, and the
number of camels at 70,000.
In the 1970s, the government started to emphasize livestock and fish production, in an effort to add protein to the national diet.
But 1985's red meat production (about 93,000 tons) and milk production (375,000 tons) were, respectively, about 24 and 23
percent less than the in 1975 totals, although other figures indicated that total livestock production remained stable between 1976
and 1985. In the mid-1980s, however, British, West German, and Hungarian companies were given contracts to establish poultry
farms. At the same time, the government expanded aquaculture and deep-sea fishing. Total production of processed chicken and
fish almost doubled, to about 20,000 tons apiece, from 1981 to 1985, while egg production increased substantially, to more than
1 billion per year.
Iraq’s poultry and livestock populations were devastated by the loss of rangeland to grain crops and the drop off of feed grain
imports and veterinary medicines needed for routine control of parasites and diseases. Poultry inventories dropped from an
estimated 105 million birds in 1989 to only 3.6 million in 1991.18 The 1991 liquidation of the poultry inventory represented a
major setback for poultry consumption dropping the daily calorie per capita from poultry from over 55 in the 1989 to less than 4
in 1991 according to FAO data. Similarly, Iraq’s cattle population saw its number decline by nearly 37 percent between 1989
and 1991. A 1997 screw worm epidemic and a 1998 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease resulted in further losses of animals.
Page | 17
Dohuk Dohuk
0,5 Erbil 2,0 Erbil
0,6 5,0
Nineveh Nineveh Suleimanyah
3,8 Suleimanyah Sheep 1,7 15,0 Goat
Kirkuk 2,0 Kirkuk
0,9 0,5
× 1000,000 × 100,000
Saladin Saladin
1,2 Diyalah 0,2 Diyalah
1,1 0,5
Anbar *Baghdad Baghdad
Babel 0,3 Anbar * 0,3
1,5 0,5 * Wasit
0,5 Wasit
Karbala
Karbala
0,3
*
*
0,8
Diwanneyah
Missan 0,1 *
Babel
0,3
1,0
Missan
0,8 Diwanniyah 0,3
0,4 0,5
Nasriyah * Nasriyah
0,1
Najaf 0,6 Najaf
Basrah Basrah
0,5 0,1 0,0 0,1
Muthannah Muthanna
1,3 0,9
Dohuk Dohuk
* 0,6 *Erbil
1,2
* 0,04 * Erbil
0,01
Nineveh
1,6 * Suleimanyah
2,0 Cattle
Nineveh
0,9 * Suleimanyah Buffalo
0,4
Kirkuk * Kirkuk × 10000
0,5 × 100,000 0,03
Saladin * Saladin
0,7 Diyalah 0,01 * Diyalah
0,9 0,7
Anbar Baghdad Anbar Baghdad
0,4 * 0,7 0,04 * 3,6* Wasit
Karbala * * 0,8 Wasit Karbala * Babel 0,3
Babel
0,3 * 1,3
1,6
Diwanniyah Missan * 1,4 * Missan
* 0,7 1,0 * Diwannyah 1,4
* Nasriyah
* Najaf Nasriyah * Najaf 1,1
0,3 0,7 Basrah 0,9 * Basrah
0,2 1,7
Muthannah
Muthannah 0,2
0,4
Small markets are found at several locations in most governorates in which animals from local villages and farms are sold for
slaughter and trade. Most governorates also have a larger central market that receives animals from the smaller markets for
onward sale to the major national markets in Baghdad, Qādisiyyah, Babel and Mosul. If these central markets are situated close
to an international border (for instance Basra, Missan, and Dayala, Mosul, and Anbar governorates) some livestock may find
their way, illegally, to neighbouring countries.
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Map showing the main livestock movement routes into and out of Iraq
6. Rinderpest prevention
The Ministry of Agriculture and SCVS co-ordinate closely with neighbouring countries to share information on animal
diseases. This includes:
- Co-ordination of animal health programmes including disease surveillance, quarantine and control.
- Use of compatible disease reporting and information systems
- Exchange of information at central levels
Joint training workshops arranged by international and regional organizations
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6.2. Import control procedures
Meat imports, an estimated 24% of consumption, are significant, but supplies are unpredictable. The once thriving poultry
industry was in disarray even before the emergence of bird flu in the region. Imports represent some 41%. At an estimated 8%
import dependency, supplies of red meat -- lamb, goats and sheep – appear to be more stable, and there are some exports to
neighbouring countries and the Gulf. The pervasive presence of the Public Distribution System (PDS), a publicly funded, basic
food basket program, is a major factor hindering potentially efficient, private, market-oriented investment in the sector.97 All the
biggest food markets in Iraq – sugar, edible oil, cereals, and milk – are distorted by the PDS distribution scheme crowding out
market oriented private investment. The government has prepared some change and reduced. The government has prepared some
changes and reductions in the PDS program. There is presently no enforcement of any food code.
Reliable enhancement of poultry industry is created by the ministry of agriculture and directed to increase the production
towered self sufficient in near future.
Although the country is not fully self-sufficient in animal products the Ministry of Agriculture has banned the importation of
livestock since the 1985 outbreak of Rinderpest. The shortfall in requirements has been made up recently by the importation of
red meat and poultry meat from a number of sources including India, Jordan and Brazil as follows: 2005 (19510 tons); 2006
(24203 tons), 2007 (22616 tons). There is strong inspection of imported products at veterinary quarantines scattered along Iraqi
border entry points (19 point), following OIE international animal health code guide lines.
6.2.1. Map with the number and location of ports, airports and land crossings
Airport Port
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The SCVS and Veterinary Services in Kurdish region are responsible for import controls part of the official services and had a
quarantine department which was responsible upon 19 quarantine points on the border , airports and ports .
Permanent border points which located in: South border (Kuwait - Gulf, Iran) 5 Quarantine.
Airport quarantine: 3
6.2.2. The regulations, procedures, type and frequency of checks at the point of entry into the country and/or their final
destination, concerning the import and follow up of the following:
a) Animals --- Livestock had been banned since the 1985 outbreak of Rinderpest
6.2.3. The action available under legislation, and actually taken, when an illegal import is detected. Provide information on
detected illegal imports.
In case of an illegal importation are detected, the custom authority with cooperation of veterinary quarantine point staff will
check the issues and took the appropriate action according to the law No. No.68 – 1936 and law No.37 – 1937 and their annexes,
which include confiscation of issues :
- Animals – Quarantined in specific part in the border or check points and different samples for laboratory analysis are
submitted to specific laboratory in Baghdad and Erbil. If samples are positive to specific contagious diseases, the
animals must be slaughtered on site, and destroying the carcases.
- Animal products and other material related to livestock health and production - Quarantined in specific part in the
border or check points and different samples for laboratory analysis are submitted to specific laboratory in Baghdad
and Erbil; the high-risk material must be rendered harmless.
Previously Iraq has no specific Emergency Preparedness Plan for Rinderpest and no contingency plan to cater for any
outbreak. No vaccine is available for emergency use. No funds have been “earmarked” for emergency activities.
Now, In the event of an outbreak of Rinderpest in Iraq there are an Emergency Preparedness Plan for this disease and a
contingency plan to cater for any outbreak, and arranging for vaccines availability for emergency use through FAO / GREP, in
addition to that, funds have been “earmarked” for emergency activities. (Annex 1).
8. Compliance with the Terrestrial Code
In 4 April 2006, after 3 years since discontinuation of vaccination against RP Iraq announced Provisional free from the
disease. While considering the application and taking into account activities conducted, OIE suggested that Iraq will apply to be
declared as a country free from the disease by submitting the Dossier.
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All actual data on activities performed in accordance with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code for the last 4 years are presented in
the Dossier.
Though Rinderpest in Iraq has not been reported since 1996, confirm positive samples had never been detected in the course of
the whole period of the surveillance. In the course of this period, no clinical signs of the disease have been detected diagnose and
confirm in the laboratory.
9. Recovery of status
Countries applying for recovery of status should comply with the provisions of Article 2.2.12.2 of the Terrestrial Code and
provide detailed information as specified in sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 5.2 of this report.
In the event of a suspected outbreak of Rinderpest the SCVS will send a veterinary team to the infected village with authority
for all control. The team will impose quarantine for at least one month on the affected premises and on all livestock within a 3
kilometre radius. This is known as the “protection zone”. The team acting at a local level and the Ministry of Agriculture and
SCVS acting at a central level will inform the Ministry of the Interior about the outbreak and request all support including the
assistance of the police in controlling animal movement and the implementation of appropriate legislation. The disease will be
controlled and eradicated through slaughter of infected animals in the quarantine zone and vaccination of all others. Vaccine will
be obtained through a pre-arranged emergency procedure from external sources. Slaughtered animals will be destroyed by
burning and burial. Continuous clinical surveillance supported by laboratory confirmation will monitor the presence of the
disease until no new cases are detected.
Active disease surveillance and investigation will also be made in a “surveillance zone” surrounding the “protection” zone for
an additional 20 kilometres. If confirmed cases are found in this zone the protection zone will be increased to include it, and a
new “surveillance zone” declared. Quarantines will be lifted two months after the last confirmed case but surveillance
maintained for a further six months.
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Annex 1
2.2.3 Destruction of carcasses and access to sites to be used for this purpose
Animal waste originating from animals slaughtered under measures to combat the spread of veterinary disease is designated
high-risk material. The high-risk material must be rendered harmless. The SCVS has a legal responsibility to destroy material
under measures to combat the spread of veterinary diseases.
2.2.5 Cleaning and disinfecting and other measures to be taken with regard to buildings and land
The Veterinary doctor incharge can order the cleaning and disinfections of buildings, land, manure silos and storage areas.
These measures are laid down in the regulation concerning the execution of measures to combat infectious animal diseases.
2.2.7 Vaccination
Vaccination against Rinderpest is prohibited, but it is possible to carry out emergency vaccination to supplement control
measures already taken in the event of outbreak of Rinderpest. The FAO / GREP will make this decision. A vaccination
programme will be provided to Iraq at the moment Iraq asks the FAO / GREP to take vaccination in consideration as a control
measure in a Rinderpest outbreak.
2.3. Enforcement
SCVS act officials designated by the Minister of agriculture are responsible for compliance with disease control as
established. Detection of punishable offences is the responsibility of the officials so designated under the National Economic
Offenses.
2.4 Penalties
Violations of SCVS act are punishable under the National Economic Offenses Act. If a veterinarian does not fulfil his duty of
care in the practice of veterinary medicine the measures set by SCVS come into force. A disciplinary tribunal can impose these
measures.
3.1.1 Personnel
Money voted to the Ministry of Agriculture each year cover the cost of staff employed by SCVS. If additional personnel are
required on a temporary basis their cost is borne by SCVS Fund for the Control of Contagious Diseases. The costs covered in
this Fund include not only the pay but also personnel-related operating costs, e.g. travel and subsistence.
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3.1.3 Slaughter,
Transport of carcasses and transport and destruction of contaminated material, sanitation. These costs are covered by the
SCVS resources.
4.1 Introduction
This contingency plan was set down by the SCVS and can be found on the Ministry of agriculture, Provinces Veterinary
Major Clinics, and those who could become involved with combating Rinderpest are familiar with it, which can be used during
an outbreak of Rinderpest.
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• Preparing situation reports.
The operations team is under day-to-day management of the SCVS DG, who is responsible for:
• Harmonising the work of the operations team with existing regional teams and workers in the field;
• Communication and harmonisation about the formulated policy proposals with the regional and field teams before they are
submitted to the crisis staff for decision.
The operations team will be housed in the crisis centre in SCVS.
4.5 The operation team has at its disposal the following facilities:
• Audio-visual equipment
• Video-conferencing facility
• Overhead projector which can be linked to the video system
• Radio
• Television
• Communications equipment and information systems
• Direct connection to the public telephone network (Mobile) and Satellite Telephone
• Internet connections
• Variable network connections suitable for voice and data transmissions
• Meeting facilities
• Whiteboard, flip-over
• Projector screen
• Necessary information
• Maps of Iraq (both large-scale national and detailed maps)
• Making manual including important telephone and Email numbers, addresses and emergency network numbers.
5.5 Equipment
The local centres are equipped with:
• Adequate telephone, and e-mail communications. One line is reserved for communication with the NC-TADs.
• Record systems.
• Maps covering the territory overseen by the centre (minimally 1:50,000)
• Lists of persons and organisations in the area covered by the centre to be contacted in the event of a disease outbreak:
• Facilities for informing the press and other media so that all persons are fully aware of the restrictions in force.
• Equipment stores
Facilities for cleaning and disinfecting personnel, clothing and vehicles.
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SECTION 6: EXPERT GROUPS & SPECIALIST TEAMS
6.1 Expert group
There is an expert group in Iraq operating at the national level co-operated with SCVS.
6.1 Responsibilities
The national expert group has the following responsibilities:
• In the event of a primary outbreak, they conduct an immediate epidemiological enquiry that provides a broad assessment of the
risk involved.
• During the course of the disease control campaigns they deal with particular problems as they emerge and they provide advice.
• At all times they maintain expertise within Iraq and develop new control strategies and techniques where necessary,
• They train and advise other staff on disease emergency measures.
6.6 Epidemiologists
On the basis of the findings of the specialist team and tracing team, combined with findings of other holdings the
epidemiological team will advise the local or national centre on:
• The possible origin of the infection
• The likely period of infection on the premises,
• The holdings most at risk due to either airborne spread or movements of animals,
• Tracing and other measures that need to be undertaken to limit the spread of disease.
7.2 Agreements
The SCVS is responsible for ensuring that well qualified personnel, specialised in Rinderpest is available and guarantees that
in an outbreak of disease they can be deployed under the command of the SCVS. The SCVS has the names and addresses of all
Page | 27
practising veterinarians in IRAQ and provides support in the recruitment of extra personnel in times of crisis. This could be a
veterinary practitioner for support tasks.
7.3 NC-TADs
The veterinarian in charge of the NC-TADs has at her/his command veterinarians and other staff who have been trained in the
management of disease emergencies.
7.5 Training
The veterinarians are trained in the diagnosis of Rinderpest.
8.2 Equipment
Iraq does have available at regional offices or some other convenient place the following equipment:
• Protective clothing
• Disinfectants effective against Rinderpest virus, detergents and soaps
• Pumps, shovel and scrapers
• Humane killers and lethal drugs
• Autopsy and sampling equipment
• Sign posts/warning notices for use at infected premises and in protection/surveillance zones
• Maps
• Vaccination equipment
8.3 Access
The veterinarian in charge of the disease control centre has standing arrangements for access to:
• Vehicles
• Combustible materials
• Digging equipment
• Flame guns (for sterilising metal)
• Sprayers and other means of sanitation.
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• Office furniture, photocopiers, etc.
• Pre-printed forms (restrictions, valuation, epidemiological, public, tracing, movements)
9.3 Sampling:
Instruments and tubes necessary for sample collection are stored at every district office of the RVMC and at the Veterinary
major clinics.
9.4 Capacity:
The minimal laboratory capacity immediately available for virus detection is 30 samples per week. For the detection of
antibodies, 400 serum samples/week can be tested. Capacity for the tests is dependent on the availability of reagents that are
bought from commercial companies vs. FAO cooperation. Extra capacity can be created by instructing and deploying extra
personnel that are familiar with this kind of diagnostic work.
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ﺒﺴﻡ ﺍﷲ ﺍﻟﺭﺤﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﺭﺤﻴﻡ
ﺟﺮﻳﺪﻩ اﻟﻮﻗﺎﺋﻊ اﻟﻌﺮاﻗﻴﻪ
اﻟﻌﺪد3285 :
ﺑﺄﺳﻢ اﻟﺸﻌﺐ
اﺳﺘﻨﺎدا اﻟﻰ اﺣﻜﺎم اﻟﻔﻘﺮﻩ "أ" ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﺎدﻩ اﻟﺜﺎﻧﻴﻪ واﻻرﺑﻌﻴﻦ ﻣﻦ اﻟﺪﺳﺘﻮر ﻗﺮر ﻣﺠﻠﺲ ﻗﻴﺎدﻩ اﻟﺜﻮرﻩ
ﻗﺎﻧﻮن
ﺗﻠﻐﻰ اﻟﻤﺎدﻩ اﻻوﻟﻰ ﻣﻦ ﻗﺎﻧﻮن ﺗﻨﻈﻴﻢ ذﺑﺢ اﻟﺤﻴﻮاﻧﺎت رﻗﻢ " "22ﻟﺴﻨﻪ " 1972اﻟﻤﻌﺪل " وﻳﺤﻞ
ﻣﺤﻠﻬﺎ ﻣﺎ ﻳﺄﺗﻲ :
اﻟﻤﺎدﻩ اﻻوﻟﻰ
ﻻﻳﺠﻮز ذﺑﺢ اﻟﺤﻴﻮاﻧﺎت اﻟﻮارد ذآﺮهﺎ ﻓﻲ " اﻟﻤﺎدﻩ اﻟﺜﺎﻧﻴﻪ " ﻣﻦ اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن اﻻ ﻓﻲ اﻻﻣﺎآﻦ اﻟﺘﻲ
ﺗﻌﺪهﺎ اﻟﻮزارﻩ ﻟﻬﺬا اﻟﻐﺮض .
اﻟﻤﺎدﻩ اﻟﺮاﺑﻌﻪ
ﺗﻠﻐﻰ اﻟﻤﺎدﻩ " اﻟﺨﺎﻣﺴﻪ " ﻣﻦ اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن وﻳﺤﻞ ﻣﺤﻠﻬﺎ ﻣﺎ ﻳﺄﺗﻲ :
ﺗﺼﺎدر اﻟﻮزارﻩ اﻟﺬﺑﺎﺋﺢ وﻣﻠﺤﻘﺎﺗﻬﺎ اذا ﺛﺒﺖ ﻟﻬﺎ ان اﻟﺬﺑﺢ ﺗﻢ ﺧﻼﻓًﺎ ﻻﺣﻜﺎم اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن ،وﺗﺘﻮﻟﻰ
ﺑﻴﻊ اﻟﺼﺎﻟﺢ ﻣﻨﻬﺎ ﻟﻶﺳﺘﻬﻼك اﻟﺒﺸﺮي ﻟﻬﺬا اﻟﻐﺮض واﻟﺘﺼﺮف ﺑﻐﻴﺮ اﻟﺼﺎﻟﺢ ﻣﻨﻬﺎ ،ﻋﻠﻰ ان
ﺗﺴﺠﻞ اﻻﺛﻤﺎن اﻟﻤﺘﺤﻘﻘﻪ ﻋﻦ آﻼ اﻟﻌﻤﻠﻴﺘﻴﻦ اﻳﺮادًا ﻟﻠﺨﺰﻳﻨﻪ اﻟﻌﺎﻣﻪ .
اﻟﻤﺎدﻩ اﻟﺨﺎﻣﺴﻪ :
ﺗﻠﻐﻰ اﻟﻤﺎدﻩ " اﻟﺴﺎدﺳﻪ " ﻣﻦ اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن وﻳﺤﻞ ﻣﺤﻠﻬﺎ ﻣﺎ ﻳﺄﺗﻲ :
. 1ﻳﻌﺎﻗﺐ ﻣﻦ ﻳﺨﺎﻟﻒ اﺣﻜﺎم هﺬا اﻟﻘﺎﻧﻮن ﺑﺎﻟﺤﺒﺲ ﻣﺪﻩ ﻻﺗﺰﻳﺪ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺳﻨﺘﻴﻦ وﻻﺗﻘﻞ ﻋﻦ ﺛﻼﺛﻪ
اﺷﻬﺮ او ﺑﻐﺮاﻣﻪ ﻻﺗﺰﻳﺪ ﻋﻠﻰ " "3000وﻻﺗﻘﻞ ﻋﻦ " " " 300ﺛﻼﺛﻤﺎﺋﻪ دﻳﻨﺎر " او ﺑﻜﻠﺘﺎ
اﻟﻌﻘﻮﺑﺘﻴﻦ .وﻓﻲ ﺣﺎﻟﻪ اﻟﻌﻮد ﻳﻌﺎﻗﺐ اﻟﻤﺨﺎﻟﻒ ﺑﻜﻠﺘﺎ اﻟﻌﻘﻮﺑﺘﻴﻦ ،وﻟﻠﻤﺤﻜﻤﻪ ﻓﻲ هﺬﻩ اﻟﺤﺎﻟﻪ
اﻟﻐﺎء اﺟﺎزﻩ ﻣﻤﺎرﺳﻪ اﻟﻤﻬﻨﻪ ﺑﺼﻮرﻩ ﻣﺆﻗﺘﻪ او داﺋﻤﻪ.
. 2ﻟﻠﻮزﻳﺮ او ﻣﻦ ﻳﺨﻮﻟﻪ ان ﻳﻘﺮر ،ﻓﻲ اﻟﻤﺨﺎﻟﻔﺎت اﻟﺒﺴﻴﻄﻪ اﻟﺘﻲ ﻻﺗﺤﺎل اﻟﻰ اﻟﻤﺤﻜﻤﻪ ،
ﻏﻠﻖ اﻟﻤﺠﺰرﻩ او ﻣﺤﻞ ﺑﻴﻊ اﻟﻠﺤﻮم ﻣﺪﻩ ﻻﺗﺰﻳﺪ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺛﻼﺛﻴﻦ ﻳﻮﻣًﺎ او ﻓﺮض ﻏﺮاﻣﻪ ﻻﺗﺰﻳﺪ
ﻋﻠﻰ " " " 300 /-ﺛﻼﺛﻤﺎﺋﻪ دﻳﻨﺎر " او ﺑﻬﻤﺎ ﻣﻌًﺎ ،وﻟﻠﻤﻌﺎﻗﺐ ﺣﻖ اﻻﻋﺘﺮاض ﻋﻠﻰ ذﻟﻚ
اﻣﺎم اﻟﻤﺤﻜﻤﻪ ﺧﻼل ﻣﺪﻩ ﻻﺗﺘﺠﺎوز ﻋﺸﺮﻩ اﻳﺎم ﻣﻦ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ اﻟﺘﺒﻠﻎ ﺑﺎﻟﻘﺮار ،وﻳﻜﻮن ﻗﺮار
اﻟﻤﺤﻜﻤﻪ ﺑﻬﺬا اﻟﺸﺄن ﺑﺎﺗ ًﺎ .
ﺻﺪام ﺣﺴﻴﻦ
رﺋﻴﺲ ﻣﺠﻠﺲ ﻗﻴﺎدﻩ اﻟﺜﻮرﻩ