Larnaka: Eleven cases of Foot-and-Mouth disease have been identified in the Larnaka district, affecting more than 13,000 animals. Senior Veterinary Officer, Soteria Georgiadou, announced in a media briefing that culling and burying of the infected animals has commenced.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the virus had been present in some units for approximately two weeks before the first case was confirmed. Georgiadou noted that the new cases are within the initial 10-kilometer surveillance zone, with three in Oroklini, one in Troulloi, and one in Aradippou. She emphasized that measures in the area have been expanded.
An extraordinary meeting at the Veterinary Services was convened to coordinate the response and manage the situation in Cyprus. Samples continue to be taken from farms within the protection and surveillance zones, while the culling of infected animals began the previous day. A team of veterinary experts is expected to arrive in Cyprus to assess the situation and provide guidance.
Investigations are also underway into any potential illegal movements from the Turkish-occupied areas, as stated by Georgiadou. She highlighted that the outbreak is localized and controlled within specific villages in Larnaka, indicating no widespread transmission across Cyprus.
In response to inquiries about the virus's potential expansion, Georgiadou explained that comprehensive checks across Cyprus are impractical. The assessment of livestock farmers' losses will be conducted by service officials in the coming days.