Dialogos

Vehicle Disinfection at Checkpoints to Prevent Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spread

Published February 26, 2026, 09:01
Vehicle Disinfection at Checkpoints to Prevent Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spread

As part of measures to combat foot-and-mouth disease, vehicles crossing from the free areas into the occupied territories are being disinfected. The "Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources" of the occupied territories, Hussein Chavush, visited the Pergamos and Strovolos crossing points to inspect the implemented measures. All vehicles passing through the Pergamos crossing point are being disinfected to prevent the spread of the disease. Mr. Chavush stated that the first case was detected in the occupied territories and that the owner of the infected animal had contact with the free areas. The Turkish Cypriot side claims it was informed about the presence of the virus in the free areas on February 20th and that the delayed recognition contributed to the spread of the disease. The Republic of Cyprus requested 20,000 doses of vaccine from the Turkish Cypriot administration, of which 10,000 have already been sent, with the remaining doses expected to arrive soon. Mr. Chavush warned that the virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly due to weather conditions, making vaccination a critical preventative measure. The disinfection of vehicles is part of a joint effort to limit the spread of the disease and protect livestock on both sides of Cyprus.