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High Probability Foot-and-Mouth Disease Transferred from Occupied Territories, Says T/C Veterinarians' Union

Published February 24, 2026, 12:18
High Probability Foot-and-Mouth Disease Transferred from Occupied Territories, Says T/C Veterinarians' Union

The T/C veterinarians' union believes there is a high probability that foot-and-mouth disease was transmitted from the occupied territories to the free areas, although the possibility that it originated in the free areas and spread north cannot be ruled out. Vaccination of cattle with two doses has been completed, while vaccination of sheep and goats is ongoing and is expected to be completed in March. The head of the T/C veterinarians' union, Burak Toskoy, stated that epidemiological surveillance is difficult due to the Turkish occupation and the uncontrolled movement of animals across the Green Line. Furthermore, the lack of effective control on the Green Line creates 'windows' for the unimpeded spread of infectious diseases. The identification of the origin of the disease and the route of transmission remain unclear. Despite initial rumors, Mr. Toskoy admitted that the probability that the disease was transmitted from the occupied territories to the free areas is high. The EU has provided vaccines for sheep and goats, which constitute significant financial assistance to livestock farmers in the Turkish Cypriot community. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of effective control and surveillance on the Green Line, which facilitates the illegal movement of animals and the spread of diseases.