Nicosia: European Commission's Veterinary Emergency Team arrived in Cyprus on Friday evening for an on-site review and investigation of incidents of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) recorded in the island's Turkish-occupied areas. The Director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, told CNA that the team is in Cyprus following a request by the Veterinary Services and consists of four experts.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the team has been convened to assess the situation and inform EU member states. They are not acting as inspectors but are present to assist in the proper management of the incident occurring in the affected member state. On Sunday, the expert team will brief the Veterinary Services over the discussions they had on the measures taken by the Turkish Cypriots, and further actions will be coordinated with the European Commission.
The Veterinary Services have urged livestock farmers in the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus to tighten biosecurity measures. This includes ensuring that cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection measures are implemented, particularly for transport vehicles and footwear of those entering livestock units. Additionally, it is emphasized that animal feed should be sourced from certified suppliers to prevent the spread of the disease.
Regarding claims by Turkish Cypriot "officials" suggesting the disease may have originated from government-controlled areas, Pipis dismissed these as impossible. He stated that there have been no such incidents and explained that if the disease had originated from these areas, cases would have been recorded. Cyprus is recognized by the EU and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as a 'country free from foot-and-mouth disease, without vaccination.' This status represents the highest level of recognition for the country's animal health.
The disease spreads through the circulation of live animals or distribution of contaminated animal feed. The Veterinary Services continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with European authorities to prevent any potential outbreak.