The war in Syria did not spare any sector in the country. The livestock market was directly affected with losses exceeding 50% since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011. This is due to the lack of fodder given the scarcity of agricultural lands and their increasing prices, lack of fuel and power outages. Meanwhile, agricultural facilities have been struggling to provide the heat needed for raising animals.

This has been compounded by the lack of government support for animal farms, and a drop in imports from neighboring countries due to high prices and customs fees. In addition, a large number of cattle died either of starvation or after being abandoned by their owners who had been displaced or forced out of their homes. Some animals have perished in the recurrent bombings.

This has led to a sharp decline in Syria’s livestock; animal owners were unable to sell them or smuggle them into neighboring countries. Consequently, the price of meat soared reaching up to 22,000 Syrian pounds ($6.80 on the black market) per kilo (2.2 pounds) of lamb, which is far beyond the population’s purchasing power.

Admon Qutaish, head of the pro-Syrian government Butchers Association, said during a Feb. 5 talk show on Melody FM TV channel, “The livestock in Syria is endangered, with the ever-decreasing number of cattle and animals, which is mainly due to the rising prices of fodder, most of which is imported. These prices have increased in the country of origin, the exporter.”