Nicosia: As of Saturday, the Veterinary Services have stepped up inspections of slaughterhouses, butcher shops, and retail meat outlets ahead of the Orthodox Easter holidays, Senior Veterinary Officer, Sotiria Georgiadou, told CNA. Regarding the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, Georgiadou noted that no new cases had been detected as of Saturday noon. According to Cyprus News Agency, the Veterinary Services aim to ensure that business operators continue to implement the required food safety systems, so that products are safe for consumption during the Easter period. 'If any violations are detected, the products will be confiscated and the appropriate fines imposed,' the Veterinary Services spokesperson said regarding market inspections. Regarding the foot-and-mouth disease, Sotiria Georgiadou confirmed that the number of infected units remains at 52, as no new cases had been detected through laboratory tests conducted by Saturday noon. 'We continue sampling and contact tracing. So far today, the result s of laboratory tests are negative,' she added. Meanwhile, vaccinations of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs continue, the Veterinary Services spokesperson said in conclusion. Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, were affected in several livestock units initially in Larnaca and then in Nicosia district, following an FMD outbreak first reported on February 20. This followed an FMD outbreak in the island's Turkish-occupied areas last December. Authorities proceed 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.