Two farming units investigated for possible foot-and-mouth disease

Nicosia, Cyprus. Two farming units in Pentakomo, Limassol district, and Avgorou, Famagusta district, are under investigation for possible foot-and-mouth disease, authorities said on Monday. Animal samples have been taken for testing, with confirmation pending.

Cases under investigation

Demetris Epaminondas, a member of the epidemiologists’ team working against foot-and-mouth disease, said the two suspected units had not yet been officially classified as cases.

If confirmed, they would bring the total number of infected farming units to 123 and mark the first detected cases in eastern Limassol and Famagusta district.

Outbreak figures

The latest confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in the south was detected on June 10. The first case was confirmed on February 20.

A total of 56,632 sheep and goats, representing 11.5 per cent of the animal stock, have been culled. Authorities have also put to death 24,483 pigs, or 7.8 per cent of the stock, and 3,018 cows, or 3.5 per cent.

Compensation

Approved compensation for livestock farmers, covering losses of animals, milk and animal feed, stands at €19.4 million.