Turkey restricts livestock movement and closes markets due to foot-and-mouth disease

Turkey has implemented widespread restrictions to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) following the emergence of new mutated variants. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, alongside local commissions, has ordered the temporary closure of animal markets in more than 30 provinces.

In Kars, authorities have closed all animal markets and restricted animal movements between villages and provinces. These measures have caused concern among livestock farmers regarding potential economic hardships. Other provinces facing active cases and quarantine measures include Ağrı, Van, Erzurum, İzmir, Aydın, Manisa, Sakarya, Niğde, Aksaray, Kayseri, Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya, Yozgat, and Tokat. Some regions, such as Bolu, have closed markets as a preventative measure despite no official cases being detected.

In Niğde, the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry has issued specific warnings to breeders, emphasizing that vaccination alone is insufficient. Officials recommend a combined approach of biosecurity, controlled animal movement, early diagnosis, and quarantine. Breeders are advised to monitor for symptoms such as high fever, excessive salivation, lameness, and lesions in the mouth or on the udders.