Rabies case detected: Neighborhood placed under quarantine

The Arıtoprak neighborhood in the İpekyolu district of Van, Turkey, has been placed under quarantine following the confirmation of a rabies case. The decision came after local authorities received reports of a shepherd dog attacking a fox and subsequently two sheep in the area's highlands.

Teams from the İpekyolu Municipality's Veterinary Affairs Directorate and the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry were dispatched to the scene. Samples collected from the dog and the deceased fox were sent for analysis to the Elazığ Veterinary Control Institute Directorate. The subsequent examination confirmed the presence of rabies in the dog.

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The dog's test result came back positive. Following this, the neighborhood was declared a quarantine area. Animal entry and exit to the neighborhood have been banned. We also informed our citizens about the disease and the measures that need to be taken.

Following the positive rabies test, the District Animal Police Commission convened under the chairmanship of the District Governor. They declared Arıtoprak neighborhood a quarantine zone. As a result, all animal entries and exits to and from the neighborhood are now forbidden. Municipal teams are also conducting an awareness campaign to inform residents about the disease and necessary preventive measures.

Şaban Bor, Head of Field Operations at the İpekyolu Municipality's Veterinary Affairs Directorate, urged residents, especially children, to avoid contact with stray animals. He advised that if any contact occurs, such as a bite or scratch, the affected area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, and individuals should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility. Bor assured that the municipality's veterinary teams are working around the clock, seven days a week, in both rural and central neighborhoods.

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Children may want to pet stray animals. During this time, situations such as the animal biting or scratching may occur. In such a case, the contacted area should be washed with plenty of water and soap, and one should apply to the nearest health institution without delay.