King Mohammed VI has asked Moroccans to abstain from performing the Muslim rite of slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha this year due to a sharp drop in the country's herd. The shortages are blamed on seven years of drought.

King Mohammed VI on Thursday urged Moroccans "to refrain from performing the rite of sacrifice" during Eid al-Adha this year. The country is in its seventh consecutive year of drought, which has led to a 38 percent fall in livestock numbers and a surge in the price of meat – adding to the burden on the poor.

Due to severe drought and livestock shortages, Morocco has asked citizens to refrain from slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha

The king of Morocco has called on people to refrain from sacrificing sheep during a religious festival later this year because of a drought that has decimated livestock populations and driven up the price of meat.

Eid al-Adha for this year has just been canceled in Morocco. This was announced in a letter by King Mohammed VI, the Commander of the Faithful, read Wednesday evening by Moroccos Islamic Affairs Minister in a TV broadcast.