Pachna, Cyprus. Authorities moved on Tuesday to contain the first confirmed foot and mouth disease outbreak in the Limassol district after a positive case was identified at a farm, prompting immediate culling of infected livestock.
Outbreak confirmed and culling begins
The veterinary services said the outbreak involved a herd of 66 animals, with the total number of confirmed units nationwide rising to 117 after additional detections in Dromolaxia and Athienou over the weekend.
Senior veterinary officer Apostolos Mazeris said culling procedures began immediately after laboratory confirmation of the active virus.
Containment zones and disinfection measures
Containment zones covering three and 10 kilometres respectively were established around the affected unit, while veterinary teams moved to isolate the area and disinfect vehicles.
Within the three-kilometre protection zone, authorities identified 42 sheep and goat units with a combined population of 9,724 animals, as well as two cattle units.
Biosecurity concerns and possible transmission routes
“Something in the biosecurity chain has clearly been breached,” Mazeris said, adding that authorities were examining all possible routes of transmission.
Mazeris said the affected farm was relatively isolated and was not supplying milk commercially. According to the owner, access to the premises had been restricted.
“Obviously he entered the unit with two feet,” Mazeris said, referring to the likelihood of human involvement in transmitting the virus. He added that investigators could not yet determine whether the infection had spread through a vehicle, visitor or direct contact by the farmer himself.
Testing results indicate recent transmission
Veterinary services said molecular testing confirmed active infection, while antibody testing showed the herd had not previously developed immunity through exposure, indicating recent transmission.
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