Larnaca: Five thousand animals, including cattle and sheep, across six livestock units in Larnaca are currently affected by foot and mouth disease (FMD). Veterinary Services Director Christodoulos Pipis expressed the gravity of the situation and disclosed that vaccinating animals to combat the virus is under consideration.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Pipis made these statements during a press conference held on Sunday evening in Nicosia. He revealed that a request for vaccines had been submitted to the EU, and a team of veterinary experts from the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) is expected to arrive in Cyprus by Tuesday at the latest.
Pipis indicated that authorities have received substantial information suggesting the virus could have originated from the Turkish-occupied areas of the island, which are not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus. It is believed smugglers or dealers of animal feed channeled it to livestock units. While evidence is lacking to confirm this possibility definitively, efforts are underway to validate this information.
A successful verification might prompt a criminal investigation by the Police. Pipis also mentioned that the request for vaccines was initially made last December when FMD incidents were reported in the occupied areas, indicating that Cyprus Republic authorities were preparing for such an outbreak.
Pipis reiterated that the decision to vaccinate remains contingent upon the evolving situation. He emphasized the role of the EU team in assisting member states to manage animal disease crises, investigate outbreaks, and recommend corrective actions.
In response to the outbreak, measures have been implemented to restrict the transport and movement of animals and livestock products. Disinfection tanks have been established in the livestock farming areas of Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos, in collaboration with District Administrations and with assistance from the Departments of Agriculture and Forestry.
Pipis warned that non-compliance with these measures by livestock farmers could affect their state support. He addressed concerns about the potential irregular transport of animal feed from occupied areas, asserting that this does not undermine the Veterinary Services' management of the situation.
The Veterinary Services, in cooperation with the Police, have imposed blockades in affected areas and denied claims of delayed action. Pipis stated that the press allegations arose from journalists encountering a road leading to an FMD-affected unit while authorities were securing another route.
The Veterinary Services were informed of FMD cases on February 19, following incidents at a cattle unit in Livadia, Larnaca district, confirmed by lab tests on February 20. Pipis disclosed that livestock breeders had been aware of the disease since February 12 but failed to act accordingly, refuting criticisms of the Services' response time.
He stressed the importance of honesty and consistency from animal care professionals to protect their interests and national health standards. Pipis assured that mapping and epidemiological investigations are ongoing, with affected animals being culled and buried per legislative procedures.