Turkey opens Marmara Veterinary Road Control and Inspection Station

Turkey has inaugurated the Marmara Veterinary Road Control and Inspection Station in Beykoz, Riva, marking the sixth such facility in the country. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that the station will conduct rigorous inspections of livestock transport vehicles, focusing on technical and hygienic compliance, ear tag identity verification, and health examinations.

The station aims to prevent the spread of animal diseases, protect producers who follow regulations, and curb unfair competition within the sector. Minister Yumaklı noted that previous stations in Erzurum, Elazığ, Kayseri, Çankırı, and Ankara have already inspected approximately 7.5 million animals and 48,853 vehicles. To date, authorities have identified non-compliance in 2,204 vehicles and 22,817 animals, resulting in approximately 36 million lira in fines.

Addressing broader agricultural goals, Yumaklı highlighted the importance of sustainable production amidst climate change and increasing food demand. He reported that between December 2023 and June 2026, cattle numbers increased by approximately 7.7 percent and small ruminant numbers rose by 16 percent. He also emphasized the successful containment of a significant foot-and-mouth disease outbreak within a four-month period.