Stay away from deer, public warned

In a statement, the park warned that the deer was under considerable stress away from its natural habitat and could behave aggressively during the mating season, posing a danger to residents and people working on farmland.

The park said the animal had entered the country without undergoing official checks or quarantine, raising concerns that it could carry and spread diseases including foot-and-mouth, bluetongue, brucellosis and tick-borne infections. The statement did not report any confirmed infection in the deer.

Uncontrolled imports of wild animals could have serious consequences for local livestock, biosecurity and public health, the park said, adding that specialist teams should bring the deer under control promptly to protect both the public and the animal.

It called on the Veterinary Department, the veterinary surgeons’ association, police and customs anti-smuggling officers to coordinate an urgent response.

The park stressed the importance of preventing additional disease risks at a time when the livestock sector was already facing economic and structural difficulties and efforts were under way to combat foot-and-mouth disease.

Residents in Aydınköy, Gaziveren and surrounding areas were urged to remain alert and avoid approaching the deer. Anyone who sees it or has information about its whereabouts should immediately notify police or the Veterinary Department.