Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Variant Detected in Northern Cyprus

A variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) has been detected in a Turkish Cypriot, according to Turkish Cypriot veterinary organizations. In a statement, they emphasized the need to re-evaluate hygiene and biosecurity measures in animal feed production in the occupied territories.

The organizations state that prion diseases include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or "mad cow disease," and scrapie in sheep and goats. They point out that **in the Greek Cypriot side**, eradication and surveillance programs for bovine spongiform encephalopathy and scrapie are implemented in accordance with EU regulations.

The veterinary organizations propose measures such as closing unlicensed slaughterhouses, preventing the entry of organs at risk for prion diseases into the food chain, and initiating regular surveillance for bovine spongiform encephalopathy and scrapie.

It is clarified that there is no reason for public concern or restriction of consumption of meat and dairy products from inspected slaughterhouses, as the disease is not transmitted from person to person.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ