Lack of combination vaccines may lead to cat deaths in Turkey

Ardıl Batmaz / DUVAR

Istanbul Chamber of Veterinarians head Prof. Murat Arslan has warned of cat deaths due to the lack of combination vaccines in Turkey. 

According to Arslan, companies have reserved their vaccine production capacity for COVID-19, leading to a shortage of cat vaccines. 

The shortage has been ongoing for a year and the deaths have increased compared to previous years, Arslan said. 

Although the number of vaccines imported hasn't decreased, the fact that a lot more people started living with animals due to staying at home during the pandemic increased the demand. 

There are also problems with the import system, since the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry prevents some companies from importing vaccines if it finds their operations faulty. However, these companies are allowed to sell vaccines to other countries.

"We need to know how the ministry carries out its inspections," he told Duvar. 

While importer companies say that a batch of vaccines is expected to arrive in January or February, Arslan said that the amount will not be enough. 

"Planning should be made with regards to the number of animals in Turkey," he said. 

Arslan also warned of contraband vaccines. 

"When there aren't enough licensed goods, contrabands show up. These need to be thoroughly inspected and the ministry needs to adopt measures," he said, noting that some cat owners obtain vaccines on their own and take them to the veterinarians.