The Veterinary Services on Wednesday announced five new positive cases of foot-and-mouth disease in sheep and goat units, further expanding the outbreak in Cyprus.
One case was detected in Yeri, another in Dali, and three in the area of Dromolaxia–Meneou, bringing the total number of infected units to 84 in already affected zones in Nicosia (21 units) and Larnaca (63 units).
Pig farm case
In addition, laboratory tests by the Veterinary Services confirmed the first positive case in a pig farm with a capacity of around 4,000 animals in the Paliometocho area, following sampling prompted by clinical symptoms. This development has led to the establishment of a new protection zone (3km) and surveillance zone (10km) west of Nicosia.
Sampling, tracing and laboratory testing are continuing in livestock holdings within the infected areas, while culling operations in Nicosia and Larnaca are also ongoing.
Authorities said 1,358 sheep and goats and 190 cattle have been culled so far this week. In total, more than 32,000 animals have been destroyed since the outbreak began.
Vaccinattions continue
Vaccination efforts continue, with the second phase of cattle vaccination reaching 73.5%, while sheep and goat vaccination coverage stands at 56.3% of the national herd. In the pig sector, around 84% of units within the affected areas in Nicosia and Larnaca have been vaccinated.
Regarding vaccination efforts in livestock units in Pergamos, the second round has been completed in nine units, while it remains pending in three others despite farmers’ consent. Authorities are awaiting developments following coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations to ensure safe access for private veterinarians to carry out the remaining vaccinations.
This article was originally published on the Greek-language Politis website.