The EU FSP experts carried out simulation inspections across the Turkish Cypriot community (TCc) to assess the effectiveness of current control activities. Visits were made to slaughterhouses, farms, a farmer's association, and a food business operator involved in milk transport.
The aim was to evaluate compliance with international animal health standards and assess the quality of ‘veterinary services’. The team also examined how well the system prevents/controls diseases of Foot-and-Mouth, Tuberculosis, and Brucellosis.
Key findings include improvements in controlling Brucellosis and the absence of Tuberculosis and Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The team provided recommendations to improve processes such as farm registration and animal movement tracking.
These efforts are part of ongoing work to eventually lift restrictions on trade of PDO Halloumi/Hellim across the Green Line.