Larnaka: New cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been detected in eleven livestock units in Livadia and Oroklini, in the Larnaka district, Soteria Georgiadou, Senior Veterinary Officer, said on Sunday. The total number of infected livestock units now reaches 22.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the initial number of infected animals was 13,000, with new cases involving 2,000 animals in Livadia and about 200 in three small livestock units in Oroklini. Georgiadou indicated that the number of infected animals might increase to 16,000, depending on the births of the animals.
Regarding efforts to control the outbreak, Georgiadou noted that 529,000 doses of vaccines arrived from France to Cyprus on Saturday. Distribution of these vaccines to private veterinarians began last night.
In a statement at the "Zenon" Coordination Center in Larnaka, Georgiadou expressed optimism, stating that all affected units are within the infected zone. "We will continue with the culling, sampling, and vaccinations," she added.
Georgiadou emphasized that since the first case was detected in the government-controlled areas, coordinated actions have been taken. More than 513 people, along with the Minister of Agriculture, are stationed at the Coordination Center and other control points daily to contain the FMD in the infected area. She concluded by stressing the importance for every livestock farmer to protect their property and adhere to all biosecurity measures.