Authorities move to contain outbreak
Culling operations have begun at a pig farm in Paliometocho after it tested positive for foot and mouth disease, as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.
The development was confirmed by Veterinary Services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou, who stressed the urgency of strict compliance with restrictive measures to prevent further spread.
Rapid response measures underway
Authorities said the infected livestock is being culled immediately in an effort to stop the virus from spreading beyond the affected area.
Officials noted that pigs in particular can emit higher quantities of the virus, increasing the risk of rapid transmission. The priority, they said, is to ensure the outbreak remains contained within the specific region.
According to Veterinary Services, the situation regarding milk and meat supplies, as well as overall livestock levels, remains manageable at this stage.
So far, approximately 2.6% of cattle and 6.6% of goats and sheep have been culled as part of containment measures.
Despite the outbreak, authorities stress that supply chains are currently stable.
Concerns over compliance
Officials warned that while containment efforts have been largely effective in major livestock areas in Nicosia and Larnaca, breaches of restriction measures have contributed to wider spread in some cases.
They reiterated that strict adherence to biosecurity rules remains essential.
Infected cases were expected within defined control zones of 3 to 10 kilometres, depending on the area, as part of standard disease management protocols.
Authorities continue to monitor farms across the island to prevent further outbreaks and limit economic impact on the agricultural sector.
Also read: Foot-and-mouth case confirmed at pig farm in Nicosia
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