Iraq’s waters have not been poisoned: Agriculture ministry

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture has ordered experts to take preventative measures to protect the fishing industry while refuting rumours that toxins had caused the mass fish die off.

“No poisonous material was found and this refutes any conspiracy theories as no case of fish death has been reported in the last 48 hours,” the ministry stated Saturday evening.

Thousands of fish died in Babylon province over the weekend. Fish farmers woke up to dead fish covering the surface of the Euphrates River and washing up on the banks.

Locals are afraid the water is poisoned and they too will be affected.

"Some are saying it's because of a sickness, others say it's because of chemicals," said farmer Hussein Faraj told AFP as he was clearing his dead fish.

"We're waiting for a solution from the government or a test of the water – we're scared the water will poison us in the coming days, too."

Officials have labeled water shortages, disease, and unlicensed fish farmers as the problem. Agriculture Minister Saleh al-Hassanli has personally overseen operations to clean up the dead fish and the industry.

“Sixteen veterinary teams were formed in Babil and they inspect affected areas and take preventative measures. 2.5 tons of disinfectant material was supplied to the city’s veterinary office on Thursday,” the ministry stated.

Local authorities have been urged to increase cleanup efforts, removing the carcasses from the river and burying them.

About 90 percent of fish in the farms have died, AFP reported.

Iraq’s waters have not been poisoned: Agriculture ministry

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