In Lefke in Northern Cyprus, transport disinfection has begun due to foot-and-mouth disease

The Lefke Municipality in Northern Cyprus announced on December 16, 2025, the start of disinfection inspections of vehicles related to livestock farming, following instructions from the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Veterinary Service. The measures are aimed at preventing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

As part of the operation, restrictions have been introduced on the movement of live animals. Transporting animals is permitted only to slaughterhouses; transportation from one dairy farm to another is strictly prohibited.

At designated checkpoints, disinfection is carried out on vehicles transporting animals, milk tankers, feed trucks, vehicles used for transporting fruits and vegetables, tractors, and other vehicles entering farm and pasture areas. The procedure is carried out by spraying the exterior surfaces of the vehicles; no intervention is performed on the animals themselves.

Upon completion of the procedure, vehicles are issued a disinfection certificate; vehicles without such a certificate will not be allowed to transport animals to slaughterhouses. The municipality called on all producers and transport operators to strictly comply with the established rules in order to protect animal and public health.