Nicosia, Cyprus. The spread of foot and mouth disease seen over the weekend was “normal and expected within the infected zone,” veterinary services department spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou said on Monday. Vaccinations and culling operations are continuing as authorities maintain restrictions.
Vaccination progress and vaccine supply
Georgiadou said almost all livestock units within a three-kilometre radius of the first cases have now been vaccinated, with private veterinarians administering 64,900 doses. She added that 529,000 vaccine doses for sheep, goats and cattle arrived from France via Dubai before airport closures due to regional conflict, and distribution to private veterinarians began immediately.
Culling operations in affected areas
Georgiadou said the first two herds in Oroklini have been destroyed, with procedures now underway in Aradippou. She said the culling of the first two herds was completed on Sunday and that registration of animals has started so compensation can proceed.
Case numbers and affected units
The outbreak has affected 22 livestock units, with 13,000 animals initially identified as infected. New cases in Livadia and Oroklini involve an additional 2,200 animals, bringing total cases to approximately 15,000, though Georgiadou said this figure may rise as animals give birth.
Measures for different animal groups
Vaccinations for sheep and goats within a two-kilometre radius of infected premises began over the weekend. Georgiadou said strict measures remain in place for pigs, with biosecurity measures applied because pigs require a different vaccine.
Testing and compliance
Georgiadou said the laboratory can distinguish between antibodies produced by vaccination and natural infection. Authorities emphasised compliance with all restrictions.
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