foot-and-mouth disease — Cyprus is facing a significant foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, prompting the culling of over 13,000 animals to safeguard its livestock. The Veterinary Services, in collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry, are mobilising resources as EU experts are set to arrive on the island tomorrow.
The current culling operation targets a total of 13,156 animals, which includes 260 cows and 12,896 sheep and goats. These animals are sourced from 11 farms that have reported infections: one cattle farm and ten sheep and goat farms.
Foot-and-mouth disease: Urgent Measures to Contain the Outbreak
With the arrival of EU specialists coinciding with the first batch of vaccines, Cyprus is initiating a crucial vaccination campaign deemed essential for controlling the crisis. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, currently in Brussels for discussions with EU officials, emphasised the importance of immediate action. “European solidarity is being put into practice. The presence of experts and the immediate supply of vaccines are our most powerful weapons to protect our farms and the primary sector,” she stated.
Support from the European Union
Health and Food Safety Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi has been instrumental in coordinating the logistics to ensure that the vaccine doses arrive in Cyprus alongside the expert team. The specialists will offer technical support and guidance to the Veterinary Services on the appropriate vaccination protocols. These protocols are vital for the effective administration of the vaccines.
Targeted Vaccination Strategy
Vaccinations will commence immediately upon the arrival of the doses, focusing initially on all livestock farms within a 5-10 kilometre radius of Oroklini. This strategy aims to establish a protection zone around what is being referred to as “ground zero” to prevent further spread of the disease to neighbouring areas.
The situation remains critical, and the combined efforts of local authorities and EU support are pivotal in addressing the outbreak. As the culling and vaccination efforts unfold, the hope is to restore the health of Cyprus’s livestock and secure the agricultural sector.
