Nicosia: The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation in Cyprus is under control, with the outbreak now subsiding, according to Dimitris Epameinondas, a member of the epidemiological team and President of the Cyprus Veterinary Association. He reported that all livestock farms, except for two under ongoing investigation, have tested negative, and over 90% of farms have completed the two-dose vaccination programme.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the second phase of surveillance, which began in mid-June, has seen inspections of more than 30% of livestock farms across Cyprus. This development is contributing to a positive epidemiological outlook, suggesting that the outbreak is effectively being managed. The high temperatures have also played a role in destroying the virus and curtailing its spread.
Epameinondas emphasized the need for increased epidemiological surveillance before considering further easing of restrictions, as grazing could still pose a risk of spreading the virus. He confirmed that the issues impacting vaccinations in the Paphos district have been resolved, with the process now on track.
Additionally, a livestock sector reconstruction plan is being developed to enhance biosecurity in densely populated farming areas. Vaccinations and biosecurity measures will remain in place to prevent the virus from resurfacing, especially given the minimal actions taken in the Turkish-occupied areas following their initial vaccination.
He urged livestock farmers to maintain cleanliness on their farms over the summer to prepare for winter and reduce the risk of new infections. He also appealed to farmers to cooperate with vaccination efforts, stressing the importance of community-wide participation for the common good.
The FMD outbreak, initially reported in February, affected thousands of animals across several districts, leading to a nationwide vaccination campaign. While FMD is not harmful to humans, the outbreak necessitated culling in infected areas, impacting livestock farming and agricultural economic activities. However, Cyprus' top export product, halloumi, has not been affected.