All livestock markets in Turkey are being closed due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

The decision affects all 81 provinces of the country and takes effect immediately. The authorities explain the measure by the high risk of virus spread due to active livestock trade and animal movement following the Eid al-Adha holiday, which is traditionally accompanied by mass purchases and slaughter of animals.

In areas where cases have already been confirmed, quarantine measures have been imposed. Turkish authorities have stocks of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine; however, as emphasized, vaccinating the entire livestock population in a short time is technically impossible.

“We request that all trading points operating in your province be closed immediately until further notice, as the intensive movement of animals and visitors at livestock markets and similar venues poses a high risk of disease spread,” the agency quotes from the document.

It is worth recalling that the last large-scale foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Turkey was recorded in early 2023, when certain regions also imposed temporary restrictions on animal trade.