QR Code Tracking to be Implemented for Livestock Vaccines and Medications

September 16, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced the transition to a QR code-based tracking system for veterinary health products and the implementation of AI-supported early diagnosis models.

Speaking at the 33rd World Buiatrics Congress held in Istanbul, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen announced a new era in veterinary health products. Comprehensive studies have been initiated in Turkey to transform the infrastructure of veterinary drug and vaccine tracking systems into a QR code-based model. Through this new digital infrastructure, the Ministry aims to ensure the secure and real-time monitoring of all vaccines and medications from the production stage to the point of final use. This new system is expected to significantly strengthen oversight mechanisms and transparency in the livestock sector.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence in livestock activities is no longer an option but a necessity. Gümen stated that advanced sensor technologies will enable the detection of animal diseases before clinical signs even emerge, making it possible to predict epidemic movements in advance. He added that millions of genomic data will be utilized for accurate selection decisions, and modern technologies will directly contribute to solving critical issues such as calf losses, antimicrobial resistance, herd productivity, and the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey's cattle population increased by 1.2 million from 16.5 million in 2023 to 17.7 million in 2025. During the same period, the small ruminant population rose by 5.6 million from 52.3 million to 57.9 million head. Highlighting the numerical increase, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen stated that success in the sector cannot be measured solely by the number of animals. Gümen emphasized that high per-animal productivity, prevention of diseases before they occur, animal welfare standards, and safe food production are the fundamental criteria for success.

World Association for Buiatrics President Prof. Dr. Arcangelo Gentile noted that climate change and transboundary animal movements increase risks, stating that strong veterinary services are a strategic investment, not a cost. Chairman of the Central Council of the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association, Ali Eroğlu, called for the enactment of a 'One Health Law' and the establishment of a disease control center affiliated with the Presidency. During the five-day congress, 77 scientific sessions were held with 55 invited speakers, and a total of 809 scientific studies were shared, including 220 oral presentations and 589 posters.

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