Nicosia: The situation regarding the spread of foot-and-mouth disease has stabilised, president of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, Demetris Epaminondas, told CNA on Saturday, adding that adherence to biosecurity measures, the vaccinations that have been administered, and weather conditions will help stabilise the situation for a period of time until autumn.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Epaminondas stated that no new positive cases have emerged from the tests conducted so far. 'All samples taken from Limassol and the most recent ones from Nicosia were negative, and now a Cyprus-wide campaign will begin across all units, essentially surveillance, to check antibody levels from the vaccines and also to see if the virus is present elsewhere, where we did not detect it during our initial surveillance,' he explained.
Asked about the progress of vaccinations, Epaminondas said that vaccinations are going ahead as normal throughout Cyprus, adding that, in view of the summer holidays for livestock farmers as well, vaccinations are expected to be completed, if not by the end of August, then by early to mid-September.
Regarding vaccine availability, the president of the Veterinary Association confirmed that there is no shortage, with supplies deemed sufficient to complete the current vaccination cycle. He noted that the next shipment of vaccines for pigs is expected, at which time future needs for additional orders will be reassessed.
Epaminondas also addressed the issue of culls, confirming their completion at all mandated facilities, except for those granted exemptions for fat-tailed sheep and red cattle. He commented that current weather conditions reduce the virus's ability to survive and transmit, contributing to the stabilization of the situation.
He further noted that a combination of measures, including biosecurity adherence, vaccinations, and prevailing weather conditions, will help stabilize the situation and ensure readiness for autumn.
In response to questions about replacing culled animals, Epaminondas mentioned that no organized effort has been launched, with the matter being handled by the Special Scientific Committee for the Reconstruction and Upgrading of the Livestock Sector. He suggested that any potential import of animals from abroad would be minimal if deemed necessary.