13.08.2025 14:56
CHP Ardahan Deputy Özgür Erdem İncesu stated that foot-and-mouth disease has brought livestock farming to the brink of collapse in Kars and Ardahan, drawing attention to the negligence in vaccination. İncesu mentioned that the foot-and-mouth vaccinations that should have been administered before the outbreak have been delayed, and that some producers have received messages regarding the payment for vaccinations that were not carried out.
In Ardahan, which has been struggling under the grip of foot-and-mouth disease for a long time, the situation is dire... Producers who have lost their animals to the outbreak complain about the indifference of the authorities, while CHP Ardahan Deputy Özgür Erdem İncesu reported the latest situation in the region during his visit to the Haberler.com studios. Responding to questions from News Director Olgun Kızıltepe, İncesu stated that foot-and-mouth disease has brought producers to the brink of collapse in Kars and Ardahan, and that livestock, which is the region's only source of income, is facing the risk of collapse.
"ALL 5 ANIMALS HAVE DIED"
Emphasizing that a new version of foot-and-mouth disease has caused great destruction in the region, İncesu said, "A citizen had 5 animals in his barn, all 5 have died. This situation has destroyed our people's only source of income." He mentioned that he submitted four separate parliamentary questions to the Ministry of Agriculture in July 2023, February 2024, April 2025, and July 2025, but did not receive an effective response, criticizing the authorities for their indifference.
"CALL FOR DECLARING A DISASTER AREA"
Recalling that Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ahmet Duman visited the region last week, İncesu said, "The farmers' debts have come due, and the livestock markets are closed. How will producers who have no animals left to sell pay these debts? The region should be declared an emergency disaster area, and debts to banks should be restructured in the long term and interest-free." He emphasized that grants and credit support should be provided to producers affected by the disease.
"THE MINISTER SHOULD HAVE COME HIMSELF"
Comparing the animal deaths to the pain caused by forest fires, İncesu criticized Agriculture Minister İbrahim Yumaklı for not coming to the region, stating, "The Ardahan Plain alone has a capacity of 600,000 animals. Together with Kars and its districts, this number rises to 2 million. This region, which is the country's meat depot, is currently experiencing a disaster." He also commented on the ministry's discussion of importing animals during this process, saying, "They do not want the farmer to win."
"UNADMINISTERED VACCINE FEE" CLAIM
Stating that the unadministered foot-and-mouth vaccines played a significant role in the spread of the outbreak, İncesu said, "Vaccines should have been administered 3 months before the outbreak, but they were not. Moreover, messages have been sent to some citizens indicating that they are trying to collect the money for the unadministered vaccine. This is unacceptable." He also reported that veterinary chambers have pointed out that the disease is a new variant and that the existing vaccines are therefore not sufficiently effective.