Authorities in North Cyprus have finished the first part of an important animal vaccination program. About 65,000 cattle received their first shot against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This started after FMD was found in December. More vaccinations will happen in three weeks. However, some people question if the measures are working. They worry the disease could spread to the Republic of Cyprus. This would harm animals and trade in the area.
The ministry and its animal health department have put in place strong rules. Thirty teams quickly gave the first vaccines. They wanted to stop the disease from spreading more. However, some reports say the rules were not followed well. People are criticizing the authorities for not disinfecting entry points enough. They say there were not enough staff or cleaning materials.
The vaccination is urgent because unvaccinated sheep and goats are still at risk. The animal health union says the disease can spread if these animals are not vaccinated soon. Also, there are worries about bringing in farm vehicles from Turkey. Old machines could carry the disease. This means inspections at entry points must be better.
Farmers' representatives want strong actions to prevent the disease. They say everyone must work together. Animal health is important for farms, food, and people's lives. The rules for vaccination are mandatory.
There is a serious risk that FMD could spread to the free areas of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus cannot check what happens in the north. This means they must watch the border more closely.
More money is needed for medicines, costs, and better farms. This will help prevent the disease in the long term. If this is not done, trade could be limited. This would hurt the economy further.