There has been no recorded case of sheep and goat plague (PPR) in Cyprus so far, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou told the Cyprus News Agency Thursday. She said that there should be no cause for concern for public health if such a case is detected on the island. Panayiotou explained that PPR does not affect humans and added that instructions have been given to the veterinary services for increased controls. The Minister also said that all breeders were briefed on the disease and are aware of the measures they must follow to keep their animals healthy. She further said that the treatment process has been agreed at the EU level and all member states need to comply with the measures decided. Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis also told the Cyprus News Agency that the plague of small ruminants does not affect human and is not transmitted to humans. He explained that transmission takes place through direct contact between healthy and sick animal s, through discharges such as tears, saliva, urine and feces, as well as through contaminated food, water, equipment and means of transport. He said that there is no public health concern and humans are not at any risk from the disease. Pipis said that animals affected by plague have a high fever, collapse, drowsiness, anorexia, shortness of breath, bloody diarrhea, fluid from the eyes and mouth, changes in the mouth, as well as an unpleasant odor from the mouth. PPR is endemic in Turkey and in July 2024 it was detected in Greece and Romania. Is also endemic in many countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Source: Cyprus News Agency