Authorities in Cyprus are continuing efforts to contain a foot-and-mouth outbreak, which has already led to the culling of around 1,300 sheep and goats in Aradippou and Livadia, with another 2,700 expected to be culled by tomorrow, according to the Veterinary Services.
Containment limited to 22 units
Spokesperson and Senior Veterinary Officer Sotiria Georgiadou stated that, so far, no additional cases have been reported beyond the 22 units in Larnaca district. Epidemiological investigations, sampling, and laboratory tests are ongoing, with all current results negative.
Vaccinations are underway, with private veterinarians having received 26,000 additional doses to cover 42 sheep and goat units within the infected zone.
Assessment and compensation
Authorities are also assessing the market value of affected animals, hay, feed, and milk for proper destruction and accounting, forming the basis for compensation to farmers.
Simultaneous culling operations are currently taking place in Aradippou and Livadia to prevent further spread.
Investigations into outbreak conditions
Georgiadou highlighted that any relevant information is being forwarded to the police, with ongoing statements and investigations to determine potential criminal responsibility.
Daily biosecurity, cleaning, and protection measures continue in infected units. Teams are conducting epidemiological studies, taking samples from both the infected area and other parts of Cyprus. Additional pathology samples may also be collected for research and archival purposes.
Laboratory standards and public reassurance
The Veterinary Services’ laboratory is accredited, monitored daily, and communicates directly with the national reference laboratory. Georgiadou emphasised that results undergo inter-laboratory verification and that any errors would be reported to the European Commission, highlighting the reliability of the services during this crisis.
She urged the public to avoid fear and mistrust, noting that the teams work 24/7 to manage the outbreak efficiently.
Legal framework for culling
Culling is conducted strictly according to animal health legislation and specific foot-and-mouth regulations, following confirmed laboratory results. Even vaccinated animals may be culled if infected.
The outbreak is currently contained within a 3–10 km radius of the infected area. Authorities stress that strict containment is critical to protect the wider livestock population and ensure rapid recovery of farming activities.
Vaccination plan
The vaccination of all sheep and goats within the infected zone is expected to be completed this week. Authorities will then reassess whether to extend vaccination to cattle and other areas of the island based on epidemiological results.
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