Larnaka: No new cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been detected in the Larnaka district, according to Soteria Georgiadou, Spokesperson of the Cyprus Veterinary Services. Speaking at a press conference at Zenon coordination center, Georgiadou confirmed that all cows affected by the disease have been culled, with plans to slaughter sheep and goats the following day.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a broad meeting of competent Ministers and officials earlier in the day led to the decision to implement a special national action plan. The plan includes the operation of a Crisis Management Center on a 24-hour basis. Georgiadou noted that all laboratory samples tested thus far have returned negative, and testing continues to determine if other cases exist. The Cabinet is expected to approve compensation measures for affected livestock farmers.
In efforts to contain the outbreak, 14 disinfection and public access control points have been established within a 10-kilometer surveillance zone, with plans for five additional points to enhance surveillance. A decree issued by the Game and Fauna Service prohibits hunting and the transport of animals in the affected areas. Vaccines requested from the EU are anticipated within the week.
The burial of culled animals has raised concerns about groundwater contamination. Georgiadou reassured that consultations with competent departments have ensured the protection of water and land resources. Disinfection measures at roadblocks, initially implemented following the detection of a case in the occupied territories, have been halted after samples returned negative.
Georgiadou also stated that evidence of possible misconduct has been submitted to the police for further investigation. Regarding food imports, she clarified that while feed will not be tested for foot-and-mouth disease, it will be inspected for other regulatory requirements. No samples from pigs have been received by the Veterinary Services, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
The Agriculture Ministry reported that approximately 14,000 animals have been affected by the outbreak. A coordinated effort is underway to halt the spread of the disease, with strict controls in place to manage livestock movement and enforce biosecurity measures. Despite the challenges, the Ministry assures that exports of Cyprus products continue as normal.