Authorities continue culling and vaccination efforts
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Cyprus remains confined to Larnaca, as veterinary authorities continue nationwide investigations, tracing, and sample testing, the Chief Veterinary Officer, Sotiria Georgiadou, said on Monday.
Infected units and culling operations
So far, 34 infected units have been identified, all within the designated infected zone, along with one illegal movement of calves to an unauthorised facility. All affected animals have been culled. Culling continues in Dromolaxia, while nine units have already been cleared, involving 269 cattle and approximately 13,890 sheep and goats.
Georgiadou emphasised that approved methods, including captive bolt guns and euthanasia drugs, are being used in accordance with veterinary legislation for emergency situations. The Veterinary Services have secured all available euthanasia drugs in Cyprus and ordered additional supplies since the first confirmed case.
Vaccination and biosecurity measures
Vaccination campaigns continue across the island, with 159,100 doses distributed for sheep and goats and 79,100 for cattle. The vaccine for pigs has been ordered from Germany and is expected to arrive within the month. Pigs remain under strict containment, with only authorised personnel permitted to access facilities.
Authorities continue to apply EU protocols while adapting measures to the specific situation in Cyprus. All other containment measures, including movement restrictions, disinfection, and biosecurity, are being strictly enforced to prevent further spread.
Addressing public concerns
Georgiadou addressed public criticism of culling methods, noting the emotional difficulty but underlining the necessity of these measures due to the highly contagious nature of the virus. Attempts by some farmers to obstruct culling created temporary tension, but Veterinary Services and police ensured operations continued safely.
A compensation committee is being established, with representatives from public authorities and farmers’ organisations already being appointed.
Current situation and outlook
Samples from other districts have not revealed additional cases. Authorities aim to keep the virus contained within the Larnaca infected area, with expectations of identifying some further cases locally but no spread beyond the zone.
Strict monitoring, vaccination, and biosecurity remain priorities as Cyprus responds to the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Also read: Foot-and-mouth disease: Farmers to receive compensation up to €50,000
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