Pachna, Cyprus. Authorities are investigating how foot-and-mouth disease reached a sheep and goat unit in Pachna, with a veterinary official pointing to a possible breach in biosecurity protocols.
Investigation into potential transmission routes
Natia Kalli, a veterinary officer at the agriculture ministry, told the Cyprus Mail it was still too early to determine exactly how the outbreak occurred.
“At this stage, this is something under investigation, but it is possible that somewhere along the chain the required measures were not fully observed,” she said.
Asked whether the virus could have been transmitted by animals or birds, Kalli said this was not considered the source of transmission in this case.
“Transmission can happen through failures in disinfection, the movement of people, or vehicles used in animal transport,” she said.
Farmer guidance and practical limitations
Asked whether livestock farmers had been properly informed about required health protocols, Kalli said veterinary services had carried out awareness efforts and had created a dedicated webpage with information on foot-and-mouth disease.
When asked whether officials had physically visited farms to ensure farmers understood the procedures, she said such visits were not feasible.
“That is impossible,” she said. “We cannot go to 3,000 units.”
She added that veterinary services maintain an open line of communication, with livestock farmers able to contact authorities directly with questions or concerns.
Rising concern among local livestock farmers
Concern has been mounting among livestock farmers in the area, where 28 animal units housing around 10,000 sheep and goats are located.
What steps have you taken to ensure biosecurity measures are followed on your farm?