Vaccination Campaign Begins for Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Occupied Areas

Five hundred thousand doses of vaccines are expected to arrive in the occupied areas tonight, with vaccinations starting tomorrow, following the detection of foot-and-mouth disease in animals.

Huseyin Cavus, the 'Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources,' announced at a press conference that measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease, including halting the movement of animals in affected areas.

According to Mr. Cavus, foot-and-mouth disease is not harmful to humans but causes economic damage to producers. Disinfection and spraying of vehicles in the agricultural sector are underway. The disease was detected in Lapathos, as well as in the villages of Sygkrasis and Gypsou.

Vaccination will begin with priority given to cattle, following the 'outside-in' method. Sheep and goats will then be vaccinated.

Adil Onalt, President of the Turkish Cypriot Livestock Breeders Association, stressed the need for bi-communal cooperation, as 'the whole of Cyprus is at risk.' Cantan Avunduk, President of the Turkish Cypriot Milk Producers Association, assured that milk processing neutralizes the virus. Beste Oymen, President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Food Engineers, emphasized the importance of proper heat treatment of meat.

The 'municipality' of occupied Nicosia has taken precautionary disinfection measures, despite the absence of cases in its area.

Source: CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY