Suluq- The head of the Agricultural Police branch in Suluq, Colonel Taher Fathi Al-Sheikhi, said that an inspection campaign was launched after reports from livestock farmers about animal infections in their barns. He explained that one farmer owns about 140 head of cattle and another has over 110, in addition to several other reports.
The authorities responded by closing the livestock markets in Suluq and Qaminis. Teams from the Agricultural Police, animal health, environmental sanitation, and municipal guard carried out thorough disinfection of both markets.
Al-Sheikhi stated that the campaign received support from the mayor of Suluq and the agricultural sector coordinator. Equipment and disinfection materials were provided, allowing field teams to begin work early on.
Veterinary teams recorded the death of 15 cows in one barn. Samples were collected and sent to specialized laboratories to determine the cause of the deaths.
The agriculture sector coordinator in Suluq, Faraj Al-Tabbal, said that livestock losses among cattle farmers continue to rise. He reported that nearly 60 cattle have died so far.
Al-Tabbal noted that the authorities do not currently have vaccines or specific medications for foot-and-mouth disease. Efforts are focused on disinfection and preventing the spread of infection.
He added that routine vaccination campaigns against foot-and-mouth disease are usually conducted in September and December. However, the disease appeared earlier this year, before the arrival of vaccines.
Al-Tabbal suggested that the outbreak may be linked to livestock smuggling through unofficial border crossings from Sudan, Niger, and other neighboring African countries. He said that smuggling is a key factor in the spread of animal epidemics in Libya.