Nicosia: Possible easing of measures imposed over foot-and-mouth disease, based on requests by livestock farming organisations and the epidemiological picture, is expected to be included in a new decree, President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association and member of the epidemiological team Demetris Epaminondas told CNA on Saturday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Epaminondas said a regular weekly meeting with agricultural organisations was held on Friday, during which requests by livestock farming organisations for an easing of measures were discussed, taking into account the epidemiological situation. He mentioned that the issues raised would be finalised next week, so that a new decree could 'most probably' be issued within the same week or, if that is not possible, the following week.
Epaminondas noted that he preferred not to go into details until the Veterinary Services complete their examination of the specific measures and decide which of the issues discussed will be included in the decree. At the same time, he remarked that nationwide surveillance sampling for foot-and-mouth disease has begun.
The first results, concerning Limassol and Nicosia, were negative, while the remaining results from the other districts are still pending, with the samples already sent to the laboratory for analysis. Asked about the factors affecting the survival and transmission of the virus, Epaminondas said high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation at this time of year do not favour its survival, reducing the chances of transmission.
Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, were affected in several livestock units initially in Larnaca and then in Nicosia district, following a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, first reported on February 20. FMD spread to Limassol in May. This followed an FMD outbreak in the island's Turkish-occupied areas last December. Authorities proceeded with a nationwide vaccination campaign of animals to contain the virus, while EU rules require all animals in the infected areas to be culled, bringing about a series of repercussions in livestock farming and other agricultural economic activities. Halloumi, Cyprus' top agricultural export product, has been spared. Experts reiterate that FMD is not dangerous to humans.