Macro-Epidemiological Trends and Decade-Based Shifts in Notifiable Animal Diseases in Türkiye (2005–2024)

Abstract

Notifiable animal diseases continue to pose major challenges to animal health, public health, and livestock production worldwide. Understanding long-term changes in disease occurrence is essential for effective prevention and prioritisation of control strategies. This study aimed to evaluate macro-epidemiological trends in notifiable terrestrial animal diseases reported in Türkiye between 2005 and 2024 using national surveillance data. Annual outbreak data were obtained from notifications submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). A descriptive macro-epidemiological approach was applied to assess long-term temporal trends. In addition, the study period was divided into two consecutive decades (2005–2014 and 2015–2024), and diseases were ranked for each period based on mean annual outbreak numbers to identify shifts in relative disease importance. Foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, rabies, sheep and goat pox, anthrax, and bovine tuberculosis were among the most frequently reported diseases throughout the study period. While foot-and-mouth disease showed a decline in relative ranking during the second decade, bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) exhibited the most pronounced upward shift. Rabies and Brucella abortus consistently maintained high rankings across both decades, indicating their persistent national importance. The results demonstrate that disease priorities are dynamic and subject to change over time. Macro-epidemiological analysis combining long-term trend evaluation with decade-based ranking provides valuable insights for preventive veterinary medicine. It supports evidence-based revision of national surveillance, prevention, and control strategies.