Nicosia: Greek Cypriot Chairman of the bicommunal Technical Committee for Health, Leonidas Fylactou, has expressed his expectations for a forthcoming meeting of the Committee to address measures against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This anticipation follows a request made by the Greek Cypriot side weeks ago, with hopes that the meeting can occur in the coming days.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the last meeting of the Technical Committee, which has been regularly convening since the detection of the first FMD cases in December 2025, involved a proposal by the Greek Cypriot side. They suggested that the Turkish Cypriot side adopt EU crisis management protocols. The upcoming meeting will likely see the Turkish Cypriot community members of the Committee presenting their views on potentially altering the current strategy and adopting these European protocols.
In regions outside the Republic of Cyprus's control, animal vaccinations are being conducted to combat the virus, although not all affected livestock are being culled. UNFICYP has also implemented biosecurity measures. A post on X indicated that to avoid unintentionally spreading the virus, UNFICYP members are steering clear of livestock areas, tracking vehicles in high-risk zones, and applying disinfection practices akin to those in Republic-controlled areas.