The "blue tongue" disease, which causes deaths in Europe, has also been observed in Turkey! There is a statement from an expert.

A disease that results in death in sheep and cattle, known as 'blue tongue' and spread by blood-sucking flies, has been detected in several European countries last week with new variants. Following the detection of a case in the Kadirli district of Osmaniye on September 25, the live animal market in the city was closed and the area was quarantined.

The District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry stated in a statement regarding the issue, "As a precautionary measure, the buying, selling, and transportation of large and small livestock in the villages of Harkaçtığı, Yusufizzettin, Şabaplı, İlbistanlı, Kösepınarı, Karakütük, Koçlu, Yoğunoluk, Değirmendere, and Tahta, as well as in Kadirli Livestock Market, have been suspended until further notice."

"IT HAS BEEN SEEN IN EUROPE AND IS ALSO BEING SEEN HERE..."

Nihat Köse, the President of the Adana Chamber of Veterinarians, stated that the BT8 serotype, referred to as 'blue tongue', threatens both small and large livestock seen in Europe, while the 4 and 9 serotypes that have been observed in Turkey for years only affect small livestock. Köse mentioned that the case in Kadirli is currently in the analysis phase in the laboratory, saying, "There is no need for fear just because it has been seen in Europe and is also being seen here. It is a disease that has already been observed in our country. Veterinarians are on duty. It is possible to prevent the disease with measures such as quarantine, vaccination, and fly control. There is no need to panic."

"IT DOES NOT TRANSMIT TO HUMANS"

Köse stated that blue tongue is not a zoonotic disease and does not transmit to humans, saying, "While there is no need to panic, it should not be ignored. Since it can sometimes cause serious losses, deaths, and miscarriages, it is necessary to fight against it. Symptoms include tears, nasal discharge, hair loss, and the tongue turning bluish-purple and swelling. We can eliminate the disease. The truth is that diseases will never end. This could be blue tongue or another disease. This balance has been established. Diseases will emerge, we will fight against them, and we will obtain medication. What we need to do is to inform veterinarians and not to avoid what veterinarians say we should do, such as vaccination if necessary, quarantine if necessary, disinfection if necessary, and if, as in this disease, fly control is necessary, proper fly control measures are sufficient to prevent the disease," he said.