Türkiye rolls out quarantine measures following foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

Alsharq Tribune-AFP 

Turkish authorities imposed quarantine measures across 22 villages and neighborhoods in the northwestern province of Bolu on Tuesday following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, local media reported.

The outbreak also prompted the suspension of operations at the regional livestock market until further notice, as part of efforts to contain the animal disease, the news website Halk TV reported.

Officials noted that the disease spreads rapidly, even via vehicle tires, and stressed that all animal transfers remain prohibited during the quarantine period.

Türkiye has faced repeated outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease this year, forcing many livestock markets to remain closed throughout the summer.

The viral illness affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats, causing fever, blisters, and painful sores in the mouth and on the feet, which make it difficult for the animals to eat or walk.