The European Commission’s delivery of 500,000 doses of the foot-and-mouth vaccine to the Republic of Cyprus on Friday was handed over the same day to Turkish Cypriot “authorities”, the Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pippis, told CNA.
Delivery and logistics
Mr Pippis personally received the vaccine doses on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, which were then transported to Nicosia and delivered through the Bi-communal Health Technical Committee. The handover took place at the Ledra Palace crossing.
Targeted vaccinations
The 500,000 doses are intended for small ruminants, including goats and sheep, as well as other animals. Mr Pippis confirmed that appropriate checks in the free areas have been conducted, with all laboratory results returning negative.
Situation in occupied areas
Regarding the situation in the occupied areas, Mr Pippis noted that the Turkish Cypriot authorities have not provided information beyond reporting that the second round of vaccinations was carried out in three cattle breeding units in occupied Lapithos. “Beyond this, we have no further details,” he said.
Ongoing surveillance
The Veterinary Services continue to implement monitoring measures along the ceasefire line, following the European Commission’s recommendations to detect any potential outbreaks promptly. Mr Pippis described the appearance of the disease in only three units in occupied Lapithos as “a mystery” that requires further attention.
Also read: EU provides vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease in occupied Cyprus
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