IN veterinary authorities in Turkey reported occurrence in two counties – Tunceli and Afyonkarahisaron groin, serotype SAT-2which has not yet been found in the country.
Tunceli is located in Eastern Anatolia, and Afyonkarahisar – in the Aegean region, which are distant from each other.
Entry and exit of animals in Tunjeli is prohibited within the measures taken to combat foot and mouth disease.
A statement from the Tunjeli Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry stated that eight production facilities where the virus was found have been quarantined.
Outdoor markets for the sale and viewing of animals have been closed until further notice because of the risk of spreading the disease.
Similar measures have been taken in Afyonkarahisar.
The regional directorate of agriculture and forests announced that cattle, sheep and goats will be vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease.
Fines in the amount of 46,159 Turkish lira are foreseen for non-compliance with the measures.
The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has notified the World Organization for Animal Health.
“Following the development of foot-and-mouth disease in Iraq, samples were sent from various locations to be tested at the Ministry’s Foot-and-Mouth Institute under the protocol for the sending and testing of samples under the coordination of the European Union Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. stated in a ministry announcement.
To prevent the spread of disease the Turkish authorities have provided the necessary information to strengthen border surveillance and road control activities.
It is also reported that a vaccine against the new strain of foot-and-mouth disease has been developed in Turkey, which is ready for use and in sufficient quantities.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral disease of ungulates caused by an RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family.
It proceeds acutely with fever and exanthems on the mucous membranes of the digestive system, the skin of the udder and the cleft between the hoofs.
The virus is characterized by extreme contagiousness. The disease is zooanthroponosis.
In humans, it occurs rarely with clinical signs of vesicular-erosive and ulcerative eruption on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and the skin of the hands and feet.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a widespread, particularly dangerous viral infection that causes great economic damage. The occurrence and spread of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks is monitored by the World Organization for Animal Health in Paris and several centers in Rome, England and Brazil.
