The foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation in Cyprus is under control, with the outbreak now subsiding, Dimitris Epameinondas, a member of the epidemiological team and President of the Cyprus Veterinary Association, told CNA.
He said that, apart from two livestock farms that remain under investigation, all others have tested negative, while more than 90% of livestock farms across the island have completed the two-dose vaccination programme.
“We are in control during the second phase of surveillance, which began in mid-June. More than 30% of livestock farms across Cyprus have been inspected,” he said.
Apart from the two farms still under investigation, all the remaining ones have tested negative, he added.
“This indicates a very positive epidemiological picture. It shows that the outbreak is essentially subsiding and that we are managing the situation much more effectively. The situation is currently under control,” he said.
He also noted that the high temperatures are helping destroy the virus and limit its spread.
Asked about the possibility of further easing restrictions, he said that “epidemiological surveillance must increase significantly and we must reach a much higher level of epidemiological investigation before we can introduce additional relaxations.”
However, he clarified that “grazing at this stage is something that can spread the virus, even under high temperatures.”
He added that “more than 90% of livestock farms in Cyprus, covering essentially more than 90% of the country’s livestock population, have completed the two-dose vaccination programme.”
Referring to vaccinations in Paphos district, he said that the issues encountered had been resolved and that the process was progressing according to schedule.
Speaking about the livestock sector reconstruction plan being prepared by the team led by Stavros Malas, he said it “will enhance biosecurity in small areas where many livestock farms are concentrated.”
He also expressed the view that “good planning and good preparation have been carried out for the coming winter.”
At the same time, he stressed that “vaccinations and biosecurity measures will remain in place for quite some time, as they will protect us from the virus returning, because, as you know, in the Turkish-occupied areas, apart from the initial vaccination, virtually nothing else was done.”
He also urged livestock farmers who are able to do so to clean their farms during the summer so that they are better prepared for the winter and the risk of new infections is reduced.
“Livestock farmers who refuse vaccination must understand that such refusal could lead to a worsening of the situation,” Epameinondas said, appealing to all livestock farmers to cooperate.
“Vaccination is important not only for those receiving it but also for neighbouring farms. It is therefore better to think of the common good,” he concluded.
Thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, were affected in several livestock units initially in Larnaca and then in Nicosia district, following a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, first reported on February 20. FMD spread to Limassol in May. 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.