foot-and-mouth disease — Authorities in Larnaca districts are tightening biosecurity measures as foot-and-mouth disease spreads, with confirmed cases reported in Livadia and Oroklini. Emergency protocols are now in effect in Aradippou, Athienou, Livadia, and Dromolaxia-Meneou to safeguard livestock and public health.
Foot-and-mouth disease: Disinfection Efforts Underway
Aradippou’s Mayor Christodoulos Partou announced on Monday that two of seven planned disinfection tanks have already been completed. These tanks will be filled with chemical treatments to ensure thorough decontamination of vehicles entering livestock zones. “Because the two livestock units have various entrances, certain roads have already been blocked so that farmers access their facilities through these specific seven points,” Partou explained, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Manual Spraying and Additional Measures
In areas where tanks cannot be installed, state officials, along with the Game and Fauna Service officers, are manually spraying vehicles to prevent the disease’s spread. Farmers have also taken proactive steps by treating their premises and placing chemically-soaked mats at entrances. These efforts aim to reinforce the protective measures already in place.
Challenges in Troulloi
While measures are being implemented in Troulloi, Mayor Partou noted that the scattered nature of farms poses challenges for road closures. Livestock owners in the area await further guidance from the Veterinary Services, indicating a coordinated effort to manage the situation effectively.
Entry Points Closed in Athienou
In Athienou, Mayor Kyriakos Kareklas confirmed that 14 of the 20 entry points to local farms have been closed as a precaution. Six disinfection tanks are currently under construction to treat vehicle tyres, while manual spraying and the use of chemical-soaked sponges are employed in the interim to mitigate risks.
Support from Dromolaxia-Meneou
Dromolaxia-Meneou Deputy Mayor Kyriakos Sotiriou reported that the municipality is providing essential resources, including water tankers and traffic cones, to help farmers maintain disinfection mats and block dirt tracks. Further disinfection tanks are set to be constructed on Tuesday morning, and remaining side roads will be secured with earth barriers to enhance biosecurity efforts.
Community Advisory from Larnaca Municipality
Larnaca Municipality has issued an advisory for visitors to the municipal cemetery in Tersefanou, instructing them to exclusively use the Klavdia-Tersefanou road to comply with the new prevention measures. This is part of a wider initiative to limit potential exposure to the virus.
Green Points Suspended for Safety
In a further precautionary measure, the Larnaca District Self-Government Organisation (EOA) has suspended operations at all seven Green Points in the district since Monday, February 23. The EOA stated that this decision aims to protect public and animal health amid the ongoing situation.
