Cyprus FMD spread ‘normal and expected’

The continuing spread of foot and mouth disease seen over the weekend was “normal and expected within the infected zone,” veterinary services department spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou said on Monday.

Almost all units within a three-kilometre radius of the first cases have now been vaccinated, she said, with private veterinarians administering 64,900 doses.

Meanwhile, the first two herds in Oroklini have been destroyed, with procedures now underway in Aradippou, she added.

A total of 529,000 vaccine doses for sheep, goats and cattle, arrived from France via Dubai before airport closures due to regional conflict, Georgiadou said, adding that distribution to private veterinarians began immediately.

Strict measures meanwhile remain in place for pigs.

The outbreak has affected 22 livestock units, with 13,000 animals initially identified as infected.

New cases in Livadia and Oroklini involve an additional 2,200 animals, bringing total cases to approximately 15,000, though this figure may rise as animals give birth.

The vaccinations for sheep and goats within a two-kilometre radius of infected premises began over the weekend, while biosecurity measures are in place for pigs, which require a different vaccine.

“The [culling of] the first two herds were completed yesterday, and registration of animals has started so compensation can proceed,” Georgiadou said, stressing that the laboratory can distinguish between antibodies produced by vaccination and natural infection.

Authorities emphasise compliance with all restrictions.

Movement of people and animals is prohibited without police authorisation, hunting and grazing are banned, and daily checks are conducted to enforce the rules.

“For movements for specific reasons, permission from the police is required, and violators are reported,” Georgiadou said.

She confirmed there are no new positive cases outside the three-kilometre epicentre.

“So far we have no other positive cases. The positive units announced yesterday are within the infected zone,” she said.

The government has established a three-kilometre containment zone around infected premises, with a broader ten-kilometre buffer in place if required.

“The same measures will be applied if a case is identified outside the zones,” Georgiadou said.

Since the outbreak was first recorded in the north on December 15, the government has mobilised resources daily to contain the virus.

Georgiadou expressed cautious optimism that containment and vaccination efforts will reduce the outbreak.

“If we manage to contain cases within the infected area, we have very high hopes of controlling the virus and ending the culling procedures. We will continue with vaccinations and slowly lead to a smoother situation,” she said.

Farmers are urged to maintain vigilance and adhere to biosecurity protocols.

“It is very important for each livestock farmer to protect his property and comply with all indicated measures. We must face the situation and help everyone,” Georgiadou said.