'Urgent' directive across Turkey: New virus detected!
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has decided to close all animal markets until further notice due to the rapid spread of foot-and-mouth disease.
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The General Directorate of Food and Control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has sent a critical "urgent" letter to the agricultural directorates of all 81 provinces. The letter draws attention to the increase in foot-and-mouth disease and requests the immediate closure of all animal markets across the country. The decision was taken to curb the spread of the disease.
NEW VIRUS VARIANT DETECTED
In its statement, the Ministry noted that analyses conducted on samples taken from infected animals revealed changes in the genetic and antigenic structure of the foot-and-mouth disease virus. Production of a protective vaccine against these new variants has been completed and has begun to be used in the field.
VACCINATION WILL NOT BE ENOUGH, MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS ARE INEVITABLE
However, the Ministry emphasized that it does not appear possible to vaccinate all cloven-hoofed animals in a short time, and therefore, restricting animal movement is a more effective method of control.
ALL LOCATIONS INCLUDING MARKETS AND FAIRS ARE CLOSING
According to the letter, in order to prevent the spread of the foot-and-mouth virus, not only animal markets but also all areas where mass animal movement occurs, such as livestock exchanges, sales centers, parks, and fairs, will be closed. Provincial directorates were requested to implement this decision immediately and completely.