Strict measures in 7 neighborhoods in Van's Edremit district following rabies detection

Laboratory results obtained in the Edremit district of Van have revealed that a dog found dead was carrying the rabies virus. Teams took action after a report was received on June 13 that the animal was found dead in a house's garden. Samples taken from the dog were sent to the veterinary institute in Elazığ, and the test result confirmed a diagnosis of rabies.

Authorities have taken an emergency decision under the leadership of the District Animal Health Police Commission to prevent the spread of the virus. In this context, a quarantine has been declared in the Merkez Cami, Yeni Mahalle, Elmalık, Eminpaşa, Eski Cami, Süphan, and Şabaniye neighborhoods. In these neighborhoods, it is prohibited for all owned and stray cats, dogs, and all large and small livestock to roam freely until further notice. It has become mandatory for citizens to keep animals in enclosed areas.

To protect public health, municipal teams are making constant warning announcements in the neighborhoods, informing citizens about the risk of the disease. Official statements requested that cat and dog owners strictly not leave their pets unattended. Furthermore, it was urged that there be no contact with stray animals on the street, and that animals showing symptoms such as aggression, excessive salivation, gait disturbances, and loss of balance be immediately reported to the Edremit Municipality or the District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.

In addition, it was emphasized that in the event of being bitten, scratched, or having suspicious contact with any animal, citizens should apply to the nearest health institution without delay and not postpone necessary medical intervention, including the rabies vaccine. It is stated that all measures taken are mandatory to prevent the spread of rabies to surrounding neighborhoods and to humans.