Due to Eid al-Adha, the circulation of both sheep and cattle throughout the country increases the risk of the spread of ticks. It is possible that ticks will spread to other provinces along with the animals traveling from Central Anatolia to the western provinces and be carried there as well. Professor Doctor İlhan Çetin, Lecturer of Public Health at Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, emphasized that especially people who are engaged in animal husbandry and want to sell their animals should control their own animals and that spraying against ticks is very important in order to prevent the disease from spreading throughout the country.
“WE ARE ENTERING A PERIOD WHERE CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORATIVE FEVER MAY ALSO BE COMMON”
Stating that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever disease has entered a period when it can be seen widely as the weather gets warmer, Çetin said, “It is especially common in the northern part of the Central Anatolia Region, that is, in the north central region, which includes Kastamonu, Sivas, Yozgat, Çorum, Amasya, Tokat, Gümüşhane, Erzincan and Erzurum regions. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, which we have been suffering from for about 20 years in our and Eastern Anatolia Region, that is, in the Kelkit Valley region, is among the important problems of the region. Unfortunately, this disease begins to appear between April and May. It continues throughout the summer and ceases towards the end of autumn.
We know and see that there is a large tick population in nature right now, especially due to the early warming of the weather this year. So, there are very serious reports about this. For this, you need to be very careful. Of course, due to the high number of ticks, we are entering a period in which the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever disease, which is transmitted by ticks and caused by ticks biting people, can be widely seen. “Since this is a disease that can be protected by certain measures, we find it important and valuable to draw the attention of our people and to protect themselves against tick bites, especially while engaging in certain activities during these months,” he said.
“IT IS POSSIBLE FOR TICKS TO BE CARRIED TO OTHER PROVINCES WITH ANIMALS FROM ANATOLIAN”
Stating that ticks and animals coming from Anatolia may spread to other provinces during the circulation due to Eid al-Adha, Çetin said, “Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a disease that is transmitted to animals by ticks and then to humans from the same ticks. Especially now, due to Eid al-Adha, there is a serious increase in the circulation of both sheep and cattle. Of course, in this circulation, it is possible for ticks to spread to other provinces and be carried there as well, with animals traveling from Central and Eastern Anatolia to our western provinces.
For this reason, it is very important and valuable for people who are engaged in animal husbandry, want to sell their animals, or want to sacrifice their animals, to check their own animals, treat them against ticks, and transport them tick-free. “Those who buy the animals should definitely check whether there are ticks on the animals they buy, especially on their backs, lower parts, between the legs, and in the breast areas, so that they do not carry them to their own homes and living spaces,” he said.
“DURING Eid-al-Adha, we need to pay attention to buying, selling and sacrificial sacrifices.”
Stating that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is transmitted from the blood of sacrificial animals and therefore attention should be paid during the holiday, Çetin said, “We know that there is a serious increase in the tick population this year compared to last year. We see this in our controls in nature and in field studies. So far, we are seeing more tick bite cases this year than last year. There is also a possibility that the number of diseases will increase.
All people must know the protection measures against ticks and must apply these measures. It is not only transmitted through tick bites, but also from patients to humans. Precautions definitely need to be taken in this regard. It can also be transmitted from sick animals to humans. This also needs to be taken into consideration. Eid-al-Adha is upon us. We have had similar cases before. We know that the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever disease was transmitted to humans from the blood of sick animals, especially during the separation and processing of meat, and from the blood of these sacrificial animals.
At this point, it is necessary to pay attention to both the purchase and sale of animals and the sacrifice during the Eid al-Adha. It is beneficial to work with gloves, especially during the separation of meat, and if this is not possible, to pay attention to hygiene. “It is especially beneficial for people with cuts on their hands to avoid contact with the blood of animals as much as possible,” he said.
