Bergama, Izmir imposes 40-day quarantine due to blue tongue disease

Authorities in the Bergama district of Izmir, Turkey, have implemented a 40-day quarantine across 15 neighborhoods following the detection of blue tongue disease. The outbreak was centered in the Yenikent neighborhood, prompting the Bergama District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry to take preventative measures to stop the virus from spreading to surrounding areas and healthy livestock.

The quarantine prohibits all entry and exit of animals within the affected zones. The 15 neighborhoods included in the mandate are Kurfallı, Tekkedere, Aşağıkırıklar, Sağancı, Bozyerler, Ovacık, Çalıbahçe, Çamköy, Bozköy, Eğrigöl, Yenikent, Süleymanlı, Zeytindağ, Sarıdere, and Kazıkbağları.

Officials have warned livestock owners against unauthorized animal transfers and urged them to report any animals showing symptoms of the disease to veterinary or agricultural units immediately. Blue tongue disease affects ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats, but there is no evidence that it is transmissible to humans.