Laboratory tests from samples in FMD infected areas of Nicosia and Larnaca have returned negative, the Veterinary Services Cyprus said on Thursday, adding that a new meeting will be held to decide on rare livestock breeds.
The services said culling operations in affected zones are continuing, with 39,810 sheep and goats and 2,247 cattle destroyed so far. The culling of pigs has also been completed at all three affected farms, totalling 24,483 animals.
Officials said a meeting was held on Thursday with representatives from the Agricultural Research Institute Cyprus, the Department of Agriculture and Cyprus University of Technology to examine the issue of local breeds.
Discussions focused on red cattle and fat-tailed sheep in Larnaca that tested positive for the virus, with all available data reviewed and views exchanged.
“The Veterinary Services, taking into serious account all data and assessing the risks and potential benefits of any decision, will meet again to reach a conclusion,” the statement said.
CNA