Аннотация: Viral zoonotic diseases in Iraq represent a major public health and economic challenge, driven by close human-animal interactions, agricultural practices, climate factors, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. The country has witnessed outbreaks of several viral zoonotic diseases, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), rabies, avian influenza, Rift Valley fever, and brucellosis, which pose serious threats to both human and animal populations. The transmission of these diseases occurs through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated animal products, and vector-borne mechanisms, particularly through ticks and mosquitoes.
Despite ongoing efforts to control these infections, limited disease surveillance, weak biosecurity measures, inadequate veterinary services, and gaps in public awareness continue to hinder effective prevention and response strategies. The geopolitical instability and movement of livestock across borders further exacerbate the risk of disease spread. Additionally, climate change and environmental degradation may contribute to the increased emergence of zoonotic viruses.
A comprehensive approach is required to mitigate the impact of viral zoonotic diseases in Iraq. Implementing a One Health framework, which fosters collaboration between human health, animal health, and environmental sectors, is essential for disease surveillance, early detection, and outbreak control. Strengthening diagnostic capacity, vaccination programs, vector control, and public health education will be critical in reducing the burden of these diseases.
This paper explores the epidemiology, risk factors, and control measures associated with viral zoonotic diseases in Iraq, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated public health interventions and policy reforms to prevent future outbreaks and ensure long-term disease control.