Report Type: Surveillance Report
Discrete Location: Afghanistan
Disease Entity: Unknown
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports a fungal infection of unknown origin has eradicated nearly half the poppy crops in Afghanistan. Wheat plants and fruit trees are also said to be affected. Afghanistan is the world’s primary supplier of heroin produced from poppy plants, which serves as an economic source for both Afghan farmers and the Taliban. It is estimated that in recent years, narcotics trade provided more than one-third of Afghanistan’s gross domestic product. Reportedly, 90% of poppy crops are found in south Helmand, an active warfare region between Afghan insurgents and the United States military troops. At present, the UNODC does not know the extent of damage, if any, sustained by the infected poppies used in illicit drug production. Harvest time at the end of the summer season is expected to provide more insight into the overall impact of the invading pathogen.
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