Basrah University Reports Iraq’s First Identified Gamma Coronavirus Genetic Strain

Dr. Walid Majeed Sakr from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Basrah, in partnership with a research team from the University of Tehran’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has identified and recorded a gamma strain of the coronavirus — the first of its kind documented in both Iraq and the Basra province. This genetic strain has been officially submitted to the global gene bank under GenBank reference number KU143902.1.

The virus was isolated from broiler chickens, with samples collected across several central and southern provinces of Iraq. This discovery is significant as the strain poses a serious risk to poultry, causing respiratory issues that may result in mortality.

Government Media and Communications Division