The culling of 6,000 animals in units affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is pending, while the second phase of vaccination is expected to be completed in 2-3 months, the President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association (PVA), Dr. Demetris Epaminondas, told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Wednesday, speaking of the measures decided during Tuesday’s expanded meeting regarding FMD at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia.
Referring to the culling of animals, he pointed out that this is stipulated by European legislation where a case is found, adding that the President of the Republic yesterday took the decision for immediate culling in the units that tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease, in order to complete this process as well as the surveillance of the 10 km zones from the new cases found in Nicosia and Limassol.
At this moment, the number of animals that have been killed is around 70,000, while the killing of another 6,000 animals is still pending, Epaminondas said, underlining that this is expected to be carried out “as soon as possible, after suitable burial sites have been found and the crews are ready to kill these animals.”
“It must always be taken into account that the protection of the personnel carrying out the culling is the most important criterion,” he said, adding that the personnel would not go ahead “until the presence of the Police is ensured.”
In relation to the decision taken to prevent the movement of animals to the Turkish-occupied areas, Epaminondas explained that this should be done in two ways. The first is more effective surveillance of legal crossing points and the ceasefire line by the Police and the army, he noted, adding that the second way is to increase the fines imposed for such violations. He also expressed conviction that these measures will be stronger and will contribute to the intended goal, noting that the compliance of livestock farmers with these measures will be decisive.
Responding to a question, the President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association said that animal vaccinations are progressing depending on the availability of vaccines, noting that there will be more vaccine deliveries within the month. Specifically, he said that at the end of this week, 500,000 doses of vaccines for ruminants (cattle, goats and sheep) will be received, adding that towards the end of the month, another 500,000 doses of vaccines for pigs will be received. ‘Therefore, the second phase of vaccination will be completed, the entire animal population nationwide will be vaccinated and we will probably have quantities left to be used in the third booster dose,’ he pointed out.
Asked when the second phase of vaccination will be completed, Epaminondas explained that there are some units that have not yet received some vaccines, adding that a small number of units have received the first dose of vaccines and are expected to receive the second dose. ‘We will certainly need another 2-3 months to complete the second phase of vaccination,’ he concluded.