Nicosia: The number of livestock units infected with foot-and-mouth disease has risen to 84 - 21 in Nicosia and 63 in Larnaca - following confirmation of five additional positive sheep and goat farms. Authorities also confirmed the first infected pig farm, with a capacity of 4,000 pigs, in the Paliometocho area, the Veterinary Services announced on Wednesday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, tests continue in farms located within affected livestock zones, alongside contact tracing and laboratory testing. So far, five additional sheep and goat units have been confirmed positive, one in Geri, one in Dali, and three in Dromolaxia-Meneou, bringing the total number of infected units to 84 across the already affected areas of Nicosia (21) and Larnaca (63).
In addition, following samples collection prompted by suspected clinical symptoms, laboratory tests confirmed the first positive pig farm in the Paliometocho area, in the Nicosia district. This development has led to the establishment of a new protection zone (3 km) and surveillance zone (10 km) west of Nicosia, the service said.
The Veterinary Services said that assessment procedures and culling operations are ongoing in both Nicosia and Larnaca. So far this week, approximately 1,358 sheep and goats and 190 cattle have been culled. Culling operations are expected to continue throughout the week.
It was also noted that the second phase of cattle vaccination has reached 73.5%, while vaccination coverage among sheep and goats has reached 56.3% of the animal population. Meanwhile, 84% of pig units within the already affected areas of Nicosia and Larnaca have been vaccinated.
Regarding livestock units in the Pergamos village, the second round of vaccinations has been completed in nine units, while it is still pending concerning three others. Although farmers have given their consent, efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the United Nations continue, to ensure safe access for private veterinarians to carry out vaccinations, it said.