site.btaTurkiye Makes 4.5 Mln Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines for Initial Rollout

Turkiye has ramped up efforts to combat an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among livestock. By order of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, all live animal markets across the 81 provinces have been closed until further notice.

According to information published on the Ministry's website, 4.5 million new vaccines for serotype SAT 1 have been manufactured and will be used in the initial phase of vaccination. Meanwhile, vaccine production continues at full capacity. The Turkish Foot-and-Mouth Disease Institute is producing over one million doses per week.

Serotype SAT-1 vaccines are being administered free of charge by veterinarians in areas where the disease has been detected, as well as in neighbouring regions. The live animal markets, closed as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the disease, will reopen gradually, depending on the progression of the outbreak.

The first infections with SAT-1 were identified in the southeastern province of Hakkari, according to Bulent Tunc, Chairperson of the Turkish Red Meat Producers' Association, as reported by TRT Haber.

He noted that the disease began to spread from the eastern provinces, where there are frequent cross-border animal movements. "Animal markets were closed at our request. This has also halted animal transport and helped contain the disease. It is a move entirely in the interest of producers. Once the second dose of the vaccine is administered within 21 days, the animals will be  immune to the disease," he said.

Kamil Ozcan, President of the Central Union of Turkish Cattle Breeders, said the mass movement of animals, especially during Kurban Bayram, has contributed to the spread of the disease. "Foot-and-mouth disease leads to decreased meat and milk yields and causes fertility issues. All efforts must be mobilized to bring the situation under control as quickly as possible," he said.