Authorities in Cyprus are worried about not having enough new information. They do not know much about a disease called foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This is happening in the northern part of the island. The lack of information causes worry. However, Cyprus has strong rules to stop the disease. So far, these rules have worked.
Christodoulos Pipis is the Director of Veterinary Services. He said his department has no new news about FMD in the north. This happened after the European Commission sent many vaccines to the north. The vaccines were meant to help control the disease.
Pipis said, "We checked for the disease as the European Commission asked. All tests were negative." Cyprus checked carefully. These checks made them feel safer inside their borders. They found no signs of FMD.
However, there is not much news from the north. Some reports say a second round of vaccines was given. This happened at three farms in Lapithos. Cyprus officials do not know where the disease started. They do not know how big the problem is. This makes them unsure.
Cyprus is following its safety rules. They are watching the Green Line more closely. This line is a border. Pipis said, "We are following the rules for watching the farms near the Green Line."
The European Commission sent many vaccines. This shows that Europe is concerned about FMD spreading. Experts from the EU were there in December. They likely looked at the problem. But Cyprus still does not have enough direct information from the north.
This lack of information is a big problem. Cyprus knows it is free of the disease. But the disease could spread in the north without anyone knowing. If FMD spreads, it can hurt farming and trade. Therefore, the lack of clear news from the north is a serious issue for safety on the whole island.