The Nature and Parks Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture temporarily closed the Nahal Tabor, Nahal Yissachar, Alot Sirin and Mount Yavniel nature reserves after discovering animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease. The decision was made to prevent the disease from spreading to wild animals in the area, particularly gazelles which are sensitive to the virus. The disease is not dangerous to humans. The Nature and Parks Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture called on the public to avoid entering the area, as humans and vehicles could contribute to the spread of the disease in the field.