The European Union has announced the delivery of 500,000 doses of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine from its EU antigen bank to support efforts to contain the outbreak in Northern Cyprus.
According to a statement from the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, the vaccines will be administered in the coming weeks as part of measures to prevent further spread of the disease. Authorities plan to vaccinate all susceptible animals under a comprehensive control and prevention strategy.
The decision follows the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease reported in Boğaziçi (Lapathos) village in December.
Ministry “Efforts Continue”
The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources stated that work to combat the disease— which resurfaced in December after a long absence— is continuing with determination. The ministry confirmed that all nationwide measures and animal movement restrictions remain in force.
Under current regulations, all animal movements are prohibited, except for direct transport from farms to slaughterhouses under the supervision of the Veterinary Department.
The ministry also announced that the second round of mandatory cattle vaccinations is nearing completion, while the mandatory vaccination program for small ruminants is scheduled to begin in February.
Quarantine Measures Remain in Place
Full quarantine measures continue in Boğaziçi and Atlılar villages within a 1-kilometre radius. During this period, animals are prohibited from grazing, and restrictions on the entry of people and animals into livestock areas remain in effect. Sheep, goats, and cattle in these areas will not be moved under any circumstances, including transport to slaughterhouses.
Quarantine measures also remain in force in Akova, Sınırüstü, Aygün, and Sandallar within the 3-kilometre protected zone. Following the completion of the one-month quarantine period, animals will only be permitted to be transported directly to designated slaughterhouses under veterinary supervision.
