Larnaca: Vaccinations of livestock are set to commence today, Wednesday, administered by private veterinarians, following the identification of foot-and-mouth disease cases, according to the spokesperson of the Veterinary Services. Senior Veterinary Officer Sotiria Georgiadou, speaking at the 'Zenon' Coordination Centre in Larnaca, indicated that no new positive cases had emerged from the samples examined so far, and halloumi exports remain secure for the time being.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a late-night meeting on Tuesday with expert veterinarians from the European Commission assessed the epidemiological situation within the 10-kilometre surveillance zone. The decision was made to initiate vaccinations for susceptible animals, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, within a three-kilometre radius inside the surveillance zone.
Georgiadou stated that an initial batch of 10,000 vaccine doses is expected to arrive today from the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus, with an additional 529,000 doses to be provided by the European Commission in the coming days. A broader coordination meeting at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) involving EU experts, private veterinarians, and state Veterinary Services is scheduled to develop a comprehensive vaccination plan.
Private veterinarians, already familiar with the infected area and cooperating with local farms, will be utilized for vaccinations to minimize the risk of further virus spread. The Agriculture Minister is also set to meet with all stakeholders to discuss support measures for affected livestock farmers.
Georgiadou addressed questions regarding vaccine availability, explaining that vaccines are ordered from manufacturers once the virus is identified and cannot be stockpiled. She outlined the timeline of events, noting that suspected infection was reported on February 19th, confirmed on the 20th, with subsequent engagements with the European Commission leading to the Agriculture Minister raising the issue in Brussels on February 23rd to expedite vaccine delivery.
The detected serotype, SAT1, matches that identified in the northern part of Cyprus. Samples have been dispatched to the EU Reference Laboratory for further genetic analysis. Foot-and-mouth disease is a virus family with multiple serotypes.
To date, 263 cattle have been culled, with disinfection procedures, including the destruction of hay and feed, set to follow. Culling will continue in affected sheep and goat units, with approximately 13,000 animals anticipated to be culled in total, though figures may vary. Farms will remain closed for at least one to two months post-culling, pending cleaning, disinfection, and inspection, while animals typically require about two weeks post-vaccination to develop antibodies.
Sampling continues in the Famagusta district, with Georgiadou expressing hope that no further cases will be detected.