The Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBAA) has confirmed it remains completely in-step with measures introduced by the Republic of Cyprus (ROC) to tackle the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.
SBA representatives are also playing an active role in the coordination committee meetings held at Larnaca’s Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre (JRCC) to ensure situational awareness and alignment with response measures. Following consultation with the farming community, local authorities and all relevant departments, precautionary measures have also been introduced, including, enhanced patrols and checks and the installation of additional disinfection points in close coordination with the Veterinary Services of the ROC.
Currently, there are no positive cases within the SBAs but according to Dhekelia Area Administration Officer, Maria Kyriakidou, the steps taken are a proactive measure to protect animal health and the wider community.
She said: "The SBA Administration is fully committed to supporting the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Our teams are working closely with the Veterinary Services and other authorities and we remain actively engaged through the daily coordination meetings at the JRCC to ensure that the necessary preventive measures are implemented.
“Protecting animal health and supporting our local farming communities is a shared responsibility and we remain vigilant in assisting the wider national effort to prevent the disease from spreading further."
SBA authorities have also confirmed that suspected breaches are reported to the veterinary authorities and engagement with local communities, livestock operators and other stakeholders continues to raise awareness of the biosecurity measures required to protect animal health and prevent the spread of the disease.
Last week, as part of the wider containment effort, the Veterinary Services of the ROC also undertook the vaccination of the indigenous Cyprus Marsh cattle breed in the Akrotiri, Livadhi area within the Western SBAs.