Iranian Official Warns of Possibility of Biological Attacks Targeting Livestock
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The head of Iran Veterinary Organization warned about the possibility of biological attacks targeting the country’s livestock, highlighting the need for establishing a security unity in the organization.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday, Alireza Refiepour pointed to the possibility of biological attacks against the country’s livestock and said with the cooperation of the Iranian parliament, a security unit could be established in the Veterinary Organization.
He further referred to the recent outbreak of avian flu in Iran, saying that up to now, 626 places have been identified in the country where there are a large number of infected birds.
The official went on to say that the operations to control the disease have led to the culling of 25 million birds in 22 provinces of the country.
Refiepour also said that no proven cases of bioterrorism have been reported in the country so far.
Back in January, the head of Iran Veterinary Organization said that more than 17 million chickens had been culled in the country over the previous ten months as part of efforts to control avian flu.
In comments at a press conference on January 14, Refiepour said the bird flu would have spread to many parts of the country if the culling operation had not taken place.
