With increasing foot-and-mouth disease cases in cattle following the Eid al-Adha, all livestock markets across Turkey have been closed. While experts warn that meat and milk production losses are possible, the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that the measures are temporary and effective vaccination efforts continue.

Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced the temporary suspension of animal movements and closure of livestock markets nationwide due to the spread of a new foot-and-mouth disease serotype, SAT1. This decision followed an increase in cases observed after Eid al-Adha, based on the risk of rapid transmission through both direct and indirect contact at livestock markets and village visits. The ministry stated, “Scientific assessments reveal that the risk of transmission through direct contact between animals is significantly high.”

Although an effective vaccine has been developed and deployed against the new serotype, restricting animal movement is considered a crucial step in controlling the outbreak. Since foot-and-mouth disease is not zoonotic, there is no risk to humans, and red meat consumption remains safe.

The ministry confirmed that these measures will not disrupt meat and milk supplies. However, experts warn that affected farms may experience production losses ranging from 30% to 70% in milk and meat. As vaccination efforts continue, livestock producers are urged to follow official guidance closely for effective management of the situation.