Brussels, 08/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - To help combat foot and mouth disease in Thrace and adjacent regions, and thus protect Community livestock against this highly contagious viral epizootic, the Commission announced on Thursday 8 March that it was sending 1.5 million doses of trivalent vaccine. The Commission is thus responding to Turkey's request for assistance to combat a strain which affects ruminants and pigs. The vaccines, which the EU only administers in cases of emergency, will come from Community foot and mouth antigens held in some member states. The Commission points out that foot and mouth disease is still endemic in some Turkish regions and says that two outbreaks were discovered in areas close to the border with Greece and Bulgaria in 2007. The vaccines were due to arrive in Turkey on Friday 9 March and vaccination, which will be monitored by international experts, will begin immediately. (lc)