Larnaca, Cyprus. Cyprus veterinary services confirmed that the foot-and-mouth disease virus found in livestock units in government-controlled areas is of the same serotype as that circulating in the north. The result followed specialised laboratory tests.
Laboratory confirmation and epidemiological link
The confirmation validated concerns that the outbreak in government-controlled areas is epidemiologically linked to cases identified in the north since December.
Crisis centre briefing in Larnaca
Speaking at the crisis management centre at the Zenon facility in Larnaca, Veterinary Services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou said the finding underlined the need for immediate and coordinated action.
Vaccination strategy and expert consultation
An emergency meeting with European experts was held on Tuesday night, leading to a decision to begin vaccinations within a three-kilometre radius of infected premises, starting from areas where cases have already been confirmed.
Vaccine deliveries and rollout
The first 10,000 vaccine doses delivered from the north are being deployed immediately, while a further 529,000 doses are expected to arrive from Europe in the coming days.
Recruitment of private veterinarians
To support the operation, private veterinarians are being recruited alongside state services. More than 45 private practitioners have been invited to participate in the vaccination campaign and attended briefings at the crisis centre, where European specialists are providing technical guidance.
Georgiadou said private veterinarians were essential to ensure rapid coverage of affected and high-risk zones.
Timeline for immunity and accompanying measures
Georgiadou said vaccinations would initially focus on livestock within the containment zone, noting that animals typically require up to two weeks after inoculation to develop immunity. She said vaccination must proceed in parallel with strict movement controls and biosecurity measures.
What measures are being implemented in your area to support livestock movement controls and biosecurity during the vaccination campaign?
