Livadia, Cyprus. All animals that tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease at a farm in Livadia were killed, the agriculture ministry confirmed on Sunday, with no new cases detected.
Culling completed after tension at farm
Tensions arose at the farm on Saturday when officers discovered around 50 animals in a unit where previous culls had been carried out and the farmer initially refused to comply. Police were dispatched to the scene to maintain order while veterinary services completed inspections.
“The owners of the facility refused to allow the animals that were found to be killed, causing minor tension,” the statement said.
Monitoring and closures in Pergamos buffer zone
Authorities are monitoring livestock units in Pergamos, where 11 operations in the buffer zone were closed over concerns of potential contamination. Inspections follow complaints about potential mixing of milk from registered and unregistered units, which could spread the disease.
“The checks were made after a complaint was received that there may be mixing of milk from farms under the control of the Republic and those that are not,” the veterinary services affirmed.
So far, no cases have been detected in the Pergamos units, and operations remain paused pending the completion of inspections.
Containment measures ongoing, ministry says
The agriculture ministry said measures including the culling of positive animals and closure of units are part of ongoing efforts to contain foot-and-mouth disease and protect the wider livestock population.
How do you think the ongoing inspections and unit closures will affect livestock operations in the affected areas?
