No new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been detected, while culling and sampling continue, veterinary services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou, said on Thursday.
She added that the second dose of vaccination will begin in late March, while vaccines for pigs are expected in Cyprus by the end of March or early April. The culling of cattle in Geri area, in Nicosia district, has already been completed, she noted.
“We have no new cases; sampling and tracing continue unhindered."
Everpresent risk
Culling operations are ongoing in Dromolaxia and Oroklini, while trenches are being dug in Dali in view of upcoming culling, with minor delays due to weather conditions. The newly established scientific committee is currently collecting data to model the virus’s progression, she noted.
Asked about the risk of spread to other towns, Georgiadou said: “We hope it won't spread. Measures are in place, but if anyone stops following them, there is a risk.”
Regarding the situation in the north, she noted that "if vaccination continues there, they will contain the virus, something which reduces risks for us well.” She added that vaccines were provided to help reduce the viral load and protect local livestock.
Support for farmers
“We stand by farmers to guide them in taking the correct steps, boosting both their production and the country’s overall output. We are here to help them recover in any way possible,” Georgiadou concluded.
Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, were affected in several livestock units across Larnaca and Nicosia districts, following a food and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, first reported on February 20. This followed an FMD outbreak in the island’s north last December.
Authorities proceed with a nationwide vaccination campaign of animals to contain the virus, while EU rules require all animals in the infected areas to be culled, bringing about a series of repercussions in livestock farming and other agricultural economic activities. Halloumi, Cyprus’ top agricultural export product, has been spared. Experts reiterate that FMD is not dangerous to humans.
Source: CNA