Brussels: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) told CNA: that it is ready to support both the European Commission and the local authorities following the detection of cases of foot-and-mouth disease, stressing at the same time that there is no risk of transmission to humans.
According to Cyprus News Agency, EFSA stated on Monday that they are closely monitoring the situation in Cyprus after a case of foot-and-mouth disease was detected. An EFSA spokesperson confirmed their readiness to assist the European Commission and local authorities in managing the situation. The spokesperson emphasized that the foot-and-mouth disease virus, which affects animals, does not pose a risk to human health.
The EFSA spokesperson further clarified to CNA that the virus is not a human disease and reiterated that humans cannot be infected. Regarding the implications for products, the spokesperson noted that EFSA does not have the authority to impose bans on products. This responsibility lies with risk managers, specifically the European Commission and national authorities.