Experts from the Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Near East University Animal Hospital came up with important warnings regarding foot-and-mouth disease which was resulted in a red alert on the island.
The detection of foot-and-mouth disease symptoms in approximately 70-80 head of cattle at a dairy farm in the İskele region has caused alarm on the island. Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Mehmet İsfendiyaroğlu, Chief Physician of the Near East University Animal Hospital, came up with important warnings regarding foot-and-mouth disease.
The Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the only Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the country and a member of the Technical Committee established under the leadership of the Veterinary Department, emphasized that conscious action by animal breeders and the community is vital for controlling the disease.
The Near East University Animal Hospital also provided information regarding the process. They emphasized the need for strict adherence to biosecurity measures, restrictions on animal movement, uninterrupted vaccination programs, and the importance of only following the guidance of official authorities.
Experts noted that foot-and-mouth disease rarely infects humans and infection effect is generally mild, but stressed that raw milk and products made from raw milk must absolutely not be consumed to mitigate potential risks. They stated that there is no harm in consuming meat and dairy products obtained from reliable sources that have undergone official inspections.
Rapid intervention is crucial!
Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Near East University, stated that foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Prof. Dr. Darbaz said that if symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, lameness, and sores in the mouth and feet are observed, veterinarians and relevant authorities should be informed immediately. He emphasized that early diagnosis and rapid intervention play a critical role in preventing the spread of the disease and protecting animal welfare.
Beware of Transmission Routes!
Dr. Mehmet İsfendiyaroğlu, Chief Physician of the Near East University Animal Hospital, pointed out that the disease can spread rapidly through direct contact with infected animals, as well as via the respiratory tract, saliva, milk, feces, animal products, equipment, transport vehicles, and humans. He stated that the transmission rate can reach very high levels in unvaccinated, susceptible, and young animals, and noted that the virus causing the disease is resistant to heat and disinfectants.
Dr. İsfendiyaroğlu said, “The virus is inactivated in half an hour at 60-65°C and in a few minutes at 85°C. It dies in the meat of infected animals at +4 degrees Celsius within 24-36 hours. It is quickly inactivated by chemical disinfectants. However, it can remain infectious for up to 20 weeks in environments such as saliva, feed, and soil.”
Quarantine, disinfection, and vaccination must not be neglected…
Dr. İsfendiyaroğlu stated that strict quarantine measures, restrictions on animal movement, or complete cessation of movement are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease, and that vaccination and, if necessary, culling are among the most effective methods of control. He emphasized that entry and exit points at infected farms must undergo rigorous disinfection procedures, and that vehicles transporting animals, milk, and animal products to slaughterhouses must be disinfected both at the point of origin and arrival.
Complete adherence to vaccination programs is vital!
Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz stated that foot-and-mouth disease can be controlled with correct and timely measures, adding, “In this process, it is of great importance that our livestock breeders act consciously and responsibly. Vaccination is not only an individual choice, it is a societal and sectoral responsibility. It is vital that our breeders fully comply with vaccination programs for both the health of their own herds and the future of the country’s livestock industry.”