**NICOSIA** – Authorities in the Turkish Cypriot-administered north of Cyprus have concluded the initial phase of a vaccination campaign targeting cattle against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), administering the first dose to an estimated 65,000 animals. This critical measure follows the detection of an FMD outbreak in December and precedes the scheduled commencement of a second vaccination round within the next three weeks. However, the operation is overshadowed by significant concerns regarding the efficacy of control mechanisms, the potential for virus transmission to the Republic of Cyprus, and the broader implications for regional animal health and trade.
The Turkish Cypriot "competent ministry" and its "veterinary department" have mandated stringent biosecurity protocols in response to the December outbreak. These directives, deemed legally binding by the Turkish Cypriot "veterinary union," underscore the seriousness with which the disease is being treated. Approximately thirty mobile teams were deployed to administer the first vaccine dose, a swift undertaking aimed at mitigating further spread. Nevertheless, reports have surfaced detailing a less than optimal implementation of preventative measures, with specific criticisms levelled at local "authorities" for perceived shortcomings in disinfection protocols at entry points, including inadequate staffing and a scarcity of necessary disinfectant materials.
The urgency of the vaccination programme is amplified by the ongoing threat posed by FMD in sheep and goats, which remain unvaccinated. The Turkish Cypriot "veterinary union" has stressed that without immediate vaccination of these species, the risk of the virus propagating remains substantial. Compounding these internal challenges are significant apprehensions regarding the import of agricultural vehicles and equipment, particularly used machinery, from Turkey. Critics argue that such imports represent a potent vector for disease introduction, necessitating far more rigorous inspection and control at all points of entry into the occupied territories.
The Panagrotikos Syndesmos, representing farmers in Cyprus, has echoed the call for robust preventative action, emphasizing that the collective responsibility and cooperation of all stakeholders are paramount. They highlighted the interconnectedness of animal health, agricultural production, public well-being, and producer livelihoods, all of which are jeopardized by the persistent threat of FMD. The potential for legal repercussions for those who fail to adhere to vaccination directives has been clearly communicated, reinforcing the mandatory nature of the campaign.
A particularly worrying dimension of the FMD situation is the inherent risk of transmission to the government-controlled free areas of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus, lacking any oversight or ability to monitor livestock units within the occupied north, faces an elevated threat due to the geographical proximity and porous nature of the "green line." This inability to control disease outbreaks in the north necessitates intensified and coordinated preventive strategies, with a particular focus on enhanced surveillance along the buffer zone.
Beyond immediate containment, there is a palpable demand for substantial state investment in additional medicines, operational costs, and improved infrastructure for livestock units. Such funding is considered indispensable for the effective implementation of long-term preventive strategies. The potential economic ramifications are considerable, ranging from the immediate impact on livestock producers to broader concerns about public food safety and the integrity of the agricultural sector across the island. Failure to adequately address these challenges could lead to significant restrictions on commercial activities, further impacting an already sensitive economic landscape.