The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced that the first case of livestock-specific SAT-2 serotype foot-and-mouth disease, which emerged in Iraq, was detected in Turkey, and that all measures, including cordon-quarantine, were taken in 8 farms. While animal mobility was stopped throughout the country, a statement came from the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Vahit Kirişçi.
According to the news of DHA, in the written statement made by the Ministry of Agriculture and Oarman, after the developments related to foot and mouth disease in Iraq emerged, within the framework of the Sample Sending and Testing Protocol under the coordination of the European Union Commission for Combating Foot and Mouth Disease (EuFMD), the Foot and Mouth Institute affiliated to the Ministry. It was noted that samples were sent from different places to the Directorate for examination.
“ALL SPEAKERS HAVE BEEN WARNED ABOUT THE SUBJECT”
The statement included the following statements regarding the samples: Our institute determined that a sample was SAT-2 serotype, which has not been found in our country before, and the agent was isolated and studies were immediately started for the production of a vaccine against this serotype in our country, and all stakeholders, as well as our provincial directorates, were warned about the issue.
CORD AND QUARANTINE MEASURES IN 8 BUSINESSES WHERE THE DISEASE IS SEEN
In order to prevent the spread of the disease to our country, our Ministry immediately contacted the relevant institutions and provided necessary information on increasing border surveillance and road control activities. As a result of meticulous work in the field, the first case with SAT-2 serotype foot and mouth disease was identified. All measures, including cordon-quarantine, have been taken in 8 businesses that are currently infected.
“VAC WAS READY TO USE ON MARCH 8”
The statement that the necessary notification was made to the World Animal Health Organization (WHO) on 8 March continued as follows:
“As a result of the studies carried out by our Foot and Mouth Institute Directorate, a vaccine against the SAT-2 serotype was produced and made ready for use as of March 9, 2023. All measures were taken to prevent the spread of the disease by the National Disease Control Center, which was gathered upon these developments, and for slaughter, import and export purposes. Except for the referrals, all animal movements (in and out of the province) susceptible to foot and mouth disease were stopped throughout the country during the spring foot and mouth vaccination campaign.
ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN
All developments regarding SAT-2 serotype foot-and-mouth disease are closely followed by our Ministry from the first moment and all necessary precautions are taken. Our Ministry, which has completed the production of vaccine against this serotype, which is seen for the first time in our country, is rapidly carrying out the necessary studies to vaccinate our entire cattle stock.”
EXPLANATION FROM THE MINISTER KIRİŞCI
According to the news of AA, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Vahit Kirişci, who met with headmen and NGO representatives at Kilis Chamber of Commerce and Industry, made a statement about the disease in question. Kirişçi told reporters that after the symptoms of the disease appeared in Iraq, the European Union Commission for Combating Foot and Mouth Disease (EuFMD) started a coordination study.
“There was concern that the disease could be seen in Turkey”
Expressing that there is a concern that the disease may be seen in Turkey within the scope of EuFMD’s work, Kirişci said, “From this point on, the Foot and Mouth Institute initiates the necessary investigations. In the studies we carry out, our work as the Ministry has come to the fore about the SAT-2 serotype disease and that we need to take the necessary measures before the issue grows.” spoke.
Pointing out the importance of rapidly producing the necessary vaccine against the disease, Minister Kirişci said, “The vaccine production work has now been completed. As of this evening, vaccines will be used for the execution of vaccination activities and eradication processes in all our bovine assets in order to eradicate the disease.” he said.
“OUR MEETINGS WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUE”
Stressing that Turkey is in constant contact with the units of the European Union and the World Organization for Animal Health, Kirişci said:
“In this context, on March 8, this place was directly informed. Vaccines for the SAT-2 serotype have been produced and will be used in our cattle. Thus, the disease will be completely eradicated. There is nothing to worry our citizens at the moment. Our Ministry carries out all kinds of work in the field. Our talks with international organizations continue in a healthy way.”
Minister Kirişci underlined that it is important to develop a vaccine after the indication of the presence of the disease is obtained, “Because appropriate vaccines need to be produced in such diseases. Our Ministry has a serious capacity and potential in this sense. Not only we, but also our private sector. “We’ve seen that too. By making use of their infrastructure, the vaccines needed will be quickly distributed to the market and used,” he said.
HAVE ANIMAL MOVEMENTS STOPPED?
A press member asked, “Has the animal movements stopped?” Upon the question, Minister Kirişci replied, “Inevitably, such measures regarding animal movements are currently valid.”
Reiterating that the production of sufficient vaccine has been started, Kirişci concluded his speech as follows:
“All of our cattle have to be vaccinated with this vaccine. It also depends on the pace of the vaccination efforts. With the efforts of both our Ministry and our friends who provide private veterinary services, the vaccination procedures will be completed as soon as possible. After the disease is detected, I say again, the important thing was the development of the vaccine. The vaccine was developed quickly and sufficient vaccine was given. It has started to be produced now. The distribution and application of vaccines was important, it started as of this evening and will continue rapidly from tomorrow.”
Photograph courtesy of AA.
