foot-and-mouth disease — Members of the veterinary committee, part of the bicommunal technical committee on health, gathered on Tuesday to discuss updates on the foot-and-mouth disease situation. This meeting followed a request from the Greek Cypriot side to exchange crucial information.
- Fylaktou compared the current coordinated efforts to those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, where a similar collaborative spirit was adopted by the technical committee on health.
Co-chair Leonidas Fylaktou confirmed that the committee has convened at least four times since the first case was detected in the northern part of Cyprus. He highlighted the importance of maintaining constant communication among members to effectively manage the outbreak.
The latest session featured veterinarians from the Republic of Cyprus’ Veterinary Services, who participated in a personal capacity. They provided updates on the evolving situation, including the identification of two new cases at farms located in Dhali and Yeri.
Fylaktou noted that Turkish Cypriot members reported the outbreak remains contained within the isolated area of Lapathos. Vaccination efforts are currently underway, aiming to cover the entire livestock population in the north. In addition, sampling is continuing in regions beyond the initial outbreak zone to ensure comprehensive monitoring.
During the discussions, the Greek Cypriot side proposed a joint approach, suggesting that both communities align their response by uniformly applying EU protocols. This collaborative strategy aims to enhance the effectiveness of measures taken against the disease.
In the north, authorities have refrained from culling animals, opting instead to take action only in severe cases. This approach reflects a careful consideration of the implications of animal welfare while addressing the outbreak.
Fylaktou compared the current coordinated efforts to those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, where a similar collaborative spirit was adopted by the technical committee on health.
In response to the Greek Cypriot proposal, Turkish Cypriot members have requested additional time to evaluate the suggested adjustments to their strategy. They are expected to provide feedback at a later date, indicating an openness to collaboration in managing the health crisis.
