Prices of live animals have climbed across the Kurdistan Region as families prepare for Eid al-Adha and demand grows in local markets.
At the same time, authorities in Erbil have started campaigns to promote safer slaughter practices and protect public health.
The Erbil Endowment Directorate launched awareness activities through Friday sermons. The goal is to educate residents about hygiene, safe slaughter, and ways to prevent diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
Kaiwan Zirak, from the directorate’s media department, said the campaign focuses on protecting both public health and the environment during the Eid season.
He added that the directorate organized a seminar for mosque preachers. Veterinary expert Dr. Sardar Mohammed led the session and explained safe slaughter methods, disease prevention, and proper disposal of animal waste.
Officials also urged residents to follow health instructions during home slaughter and avoid unsafe practices.
A livestock trader told local media that market activity remains moderate, but prices have already increased.
He said the price of live lamb previously ranged between 7,500 and 8,000 Iraqi dinars per kilogram. It now sells for around 9,400 to 9,500 dinars per kilogram.
Current livestock prices in Kurdistan markets include:
- Sheep: 7,500 IQD per kilogram
- Ram: 9,500 IQD per kilogram
- Lamb: 9,500 IQD per kilogram
- Young cow: 8,000 to 8,250 IQD per kilogram
Traders expect prices to rise further in the coming days as Eid draws closer and more families purchase animals for sacrifice.
Animals commonly used for Eid, including cows, calves, sheep, and rams, usually become more expensive during this period because of higher seasonal demand.
The annual increase reflects both the strong cultural importance of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha and the growing demand seen in markets across the Kurdistan Region each year.
