A new case of foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in a cattle unit in the area of Lapithos in the north, triggering emergency containment measures by the local veterinary authorities.
According to an announcement by the veterinary department in the north, suspicion of the disease was raised on 13 December following clinical signs observed in the herd. Veterinary teams carried out examinations and collected samples, which were sent on 14 December to the Foot-and-Mouth Institute in Turkey for laboratory analysis. Tests confirmed the presence of serotype SAT 1 of the virus.
Following confirmation, a response plan was activated, imposing a quarantine zone with a radius of three kilometres around the affected unit. Movement in and out of the area has been restricted.
Authorities designated several communities in the Trikomo district as protection zones, including Ayios Iakovos, Gypsou, Sygkrasi and Ayios Georgios Spatharikou. These areas are now under full quarantine, with a ban on the movement of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs for grazing or transport outside their units. Entry into the quarantine zone is allowed only with special permission.
In addition to the immediate containment area, veterinary authorities in the north extended restrictive measures across the entire territory. All movement of breeding animals has been suspended for one month. For farms outside the quarantine zone, animal transport is permitted solely for slaughter and only under veterinary supervision. Unnecessary entry of people and vehicles into livestock units is prohibited. Disinfection points are now mandatory at all entry and exit gates of farms and slaughterhouses, and supply vehicles must follow strict biosecurity procedures. Milk collection will continue only under tightened hygiene protocols.
Crisis teams have been set up to manage the situation, and livestock owners across the north have been urged to report any suspicious symptoms to the veterinary services without delay.
Source: CNA