Kars officials address foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

Authorities in Kars, Turkey, are implementing measures to combat a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that was first detected in Halefoğlu village on September 7, 2026. To prevent the spread of the disease, a 10-kilometer protection and surveillance zone has been established, and restrictions on animal movement have been enforced.

As of September 30, 2026, all animal markets across the province have been temporarily closed. AK Party Kars Deputy Adem Çalkın reported that 230,000 cattle have been vaccinated during the autumn vaccination campaign, following a spring vaccination rate of 138 percent. Çalkın indicated that restrictions on animal movements and the closure of markets are expected to be lifted as soon as possible.

In response to the outbreak, DEM Party Kars Deputy Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit has submitted a 13-question motion to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The motion addresses the economic losses faced by producers, the need for support, and structural issues within the livestock sector.