The Mayor of Tarhuna, Mohammed Al-Kisher, announced the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease among sheep in the Sidi Sayed area. This has lead to the immediate closure of livestock markets to prevent the spread of the infection.
The outbreak has already resulted in significant losses for local farmers, with one reporting the death of 100 lambs immediately post-birth and another losing 70.
In a press statement, Al-Kisher stated, “we have issued directives to close all livestock markets and restrict the movement of animals within and outside the city to curb the spread of the disease. The animal health department has dispatched a team of veterinarians to assess the situation and collect necessary samples.”
The Mayor warned that without prompt intervention from relevant authorities and the provision of necessary vaccines, the disease could devastate the sheep population in the region and potentially spread throughout western Libya.
“The spread of the disease could lead to substantial losses for farmers, adversely affect the national economy, and threaten food security,” Al-Kisher explained, noting that foot-and-mouth disease is endemic to the area. “Previously, vaccines were readily available and administered to livestock regularly before the virus’s outbreak.”
Al-Kisher urgently called for the provision of vaccines to eradicate the disease, especially as farmers prepare for the increased demand for sheep during the upcoming Ramadan and Eid al-Adha celebrations.
The closure of livestock markets and the call for immediate vaccination highlight the critical need to address the outbreak to protect the local economy and ensure food security in the region.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Moammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
