The European Commission marked Veterinary Week 2015 with an open day organised at the Veterinary Department Laboratory located in Nicosia, on Wednesday 18 November. The event, organised by the EU Infopoint, included a tour of the Veterinary Laboratory, expert speeches on animal health standards in the Turkish Cypriot community, and EU standards for food production and safety standards for local products, as well as information stands.

The aim of the Veterinary Week Open Day was to improve awareness about animal health and welfare and safety of products of animal origin, to increase knowledge about the EU livestock development  programme in the Turkish Cypriot community and to improve awareness on the EU standards for food production.  The Cyprus Turkish Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Breeders Union, Dairy Processors, Chamber of Agricultural Engineers and Near East University Veterinary Faculty hosted information stands to showcase their work and answer questions from participants.

The European Union is providing support to the livestock sector, mainly to improve animal health and production, safety of products of animal origin and strengthening capacities of service providers, especially veterinary services in the Turkish Cypriot community.