Minister Yumaklı reassured citizens regarding bird flu.

The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, made statements regarding bird flu, meat prices, and stray dogs. After the cabinet meeting, Yumaklı answered questions from journalists, stating that there is a bird flu problem worldwide, but Turkey has an experienced and disciplined sector in this regard, and that very quick actions were taken to prevent its spread.

"THERE IS NO REASON TO BE CONCERNED"

Yumaklı noted that they reported the cases that emerged in Konya, Eskişehir, and Afyon to the World Health Organization, saying, "There is nothing to be afraid of. Our citizens should be at ease. In the places we have quarantined, we are very quickly disinfecting and starting the production process again. There is no reason for citizens to be anxious while shopping. Rest assured, we will not allow something that we do not want our family, friends, or acquaintances to eat to spread all over Turkey. This is already our duty," he said.

"WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO INTERVENE IN PRICE INCREASES"

Speaking about meat imports and meat prices, Yumaklı stated, "We have a roadmap to increase production, and we are implementing it. In this context, we want to increase the number of breeding animals and bring them into production. We have developed models in this regard. We have started to bring breeding animals in cooperation with TİGEM and ESK. Fighting animal diseases and increasing quality and efficient production are also part of this model. The last instruction given by our President was to quickly bring breeding animals to our country. We are doing what is necessary. They were speculating that the meat price would rise to this level by the end of the year. They are used to throwing out a rumor and raising prices based on that. They need to give up this habit. We are closely monitoring the market. In cooperation with TİGEM and ESK, we will increase the number of breeding cattle at TİGEM to 70,000 by 2025. In the meantime, we will not hesitate to intervene when there are artificial increases. No one is saying anything about making a reasonable profit on top of the cost. We have such a geographical advantage that, after meeting our own needs, we have the potential to export to those around us who need it," he said.

STRAY ANIMALS REGULATION IS NEARING COMPLETION

Yumaklı stated that the regulation on stray animals is nearing completion and announced that the regulation will be published by the end of the year.