Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has reported no new cases of foot-and-mouth disease as culling and sampling continue, veterinary services spokeswoman Sotiria Georgiadou said. She added that tracing is ongoing as authorities investigate possible earlier cases.
No new cases reported
Georgiadou said authorities have not identified any additional cases beyond the 42 already reported. She said sampling and tracing are continuing without obstruction.
Culling operations and site preparations
Georgiadou said culling of cattle in Geri has been completed. She added that trench excavation is under way at the site where culling will take place in Dali, while culling continues in Dromolaxia and Oroklini, with minor disruptions due to weather conditions.
Vaccination timeline and arrivals
Georgiadou said the second round of vaccinations is expected to begin at the end of March. She added that vaccines for pigs are due to arrive in Cyprus by late March or early April.
Tracing and epidemiological investigations
Georgiadou said tracing is being carried out retrospectively to identify potential cases linked to animal movements before the first case, including movements dating to before February and back to early January. She added that epidemiological investigations are being conducted within 3km and 10km zones as well as across the rest of the country.
Testing process
Georgiadou said current analyses detect either the virus itself or antibodies resulting from natural infection. She said current sampling does not detect antibodies from vaccinated animals, even if they were vaccinated days earlier.
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