Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Hatay triggers market closures

The SAT-1 type foot-and-mouth disease has been identified in the Özkızılkaya neighborhood of the Kırıkhan district in Hatay, Turkey. Following the detection of the virus, the Hatay Animal Health and Police Commission has suspended operations at regional animal markets, including the Üzümdalı Animal Market in Antakya, until further notice.

Local livestock producers have reported significant losses, with some farmers noting that cattle exhibited foaming at the mouth before dying. The Hatay Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry has established a quarantine zone and is currently conducting vaccination campaigns to prevent further spread of the disease. Affected farmers are calling for government support to mitigate the economic impact on their livelihoods.