15.08.2025 21:33
Thousands of animals that died from foot-and-mouth disease in Ardahan are being buried in pits dug by excavators. This situation highlights that livestock farming in the region has come to a standstill.
The rapidly spreading foot-and-mouth disease in Ardahan has brought livestock farming to the brink of collapse. It is reported that thousands of animals have perished in the city, and after the deaths, the animals are being buried in pits dug by excavators.
REACTION AND CALL FROM PRODUCERS
Producers argue that the authorities have been inadequate in the face of the disease. Livestock farmers, who have suffered significant financial losses, are calling for the region to be declared a "disaster area" and for agricultural debts to be postponed. Emphasizing the need for quick and effective measures to stop the outbreak, producers are urging the authorities for immediate intervention.
MINISTER YUMAKLI DID NOT GO TO THE REGION
Recently, CHP Ardahan Member of Parliament Özgür Erdem İncesu, who was a guest of News Director Olgun Kızıltepe in the Haberler.com studios, criticized Agriculture Minister İbrahim Yumaklı for not visiting 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."
ALLEGATION OF "UNPAID VACCINE FEES"
Continuing his remarks, İncesu stated that the failure to administer foot-and-mouth vaccines on time played a significant role in the spread of the outbreak, saying, "Vaccines should have been administered 3 months before the outbreak, but they were not. Moreover, messages have been sent to some citizens indicating that the payment for the unadministered vaccine was being sought. This is unacceptable."