Panic in Turkey as seaside town loved by Brits rocked by rat plague | World | News

Concerns have been sparked in a popular Turkish holiday resort over issues caused by herds of wild boars and rats. The number of rodents in Marmaris is believed to be increasing as large numbers of wild boar reportedly roam through the streets searching through piles of uncollected rubbish.

One veterinarian has warned the situation is posing a significant public health and safety risk. Behçet Düzgün told Turkish newspaper the Daily Sabah the issue is not just a “visual pollution” or a “natural occurence”. “So far, no one has come to our clinic with rat bites, but based on our observations, the rat population in the city is increasing,” he said of the rats.

The wild boars, which typically weigh between 68kg and 99kg, are spreading waste but also reportedly attacked stray animals, with locals urging the authorities to act.

One resident in the town on the Mediterranean cost told the Daily Sabah she fears of being attacked while walking her dog.

Mr Düzgün said the uncontrolled reproduction of wild boars — with a frequent and high birth rate — is a problem and explained why they are being attracted to urban areas.

He said: “Boars no longer have a reason to stay in the mountains. Cities now offer an open buffet. As long as we make food more accessible in urban areas, boars won’t bother digging for mushrooms in the forest.”

The vet also highlighted an increase in city centre boar attacks, particularly by females protecting their young.

He warned: “Boars are not always harmless. If a mother senses her piglets are in danger, she may attack people or animals. Some dogs brought to our clinic after such attacks suffer severe injuries, often with internal organs exposed. Many don’t survive. The boar’s tusks can slice through a body like a knife.”

He suggested rubbish bins are redesigned to make it harder for the boars to tip them over, while other measures like placing warning signs.

He also warned that wild boars can carry and transmit rabies, saying: “If a rabies case is detected here, it wouldn’t just be a health issue — it would threaten Marmaris’ future as a tourist destination. According to international protocols, the city could be quarantined, and entry and exit points may be closed.”

Marmaris is a popular holiday destination for tourists, including Britons.

The resort is well known for its beaches, clear waters and nightlife.