Nicosia, Cyprus. Authorities said a third pig farm has tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as the number of infected farming units rose to 102. The latest case was reported on Tuesday.
New pig farm case in Paliometocho
The newly infected pig farm is located in the Paliometocho area of Nicosia district and holds about 5,000 animals. It is adjacent to two other pig farms that have recently tested positive.
Veterinary services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou said the new case was expected due to the farm’s proximity to the other two infected units.
Together, the three pig farms hold approximately 24,000 animals, accounting for about seven per cent of the pig stock.
Rising infections across farming units
Authorities said the disease has spread quickly over the past couple of weeks, with the number of affected farming establishments doubling over that period.
Of the 102 infected farming units, 13 concern cattle, 86 involve sheep and goats, and three are pig farms.
Culling and vaccination coverage
To date, eight per cent of the cattle stock in the south has been slaughtered, along with 2.8 per cent of sheep and goats stock.
The second round of vaccinations has covered 73.8 per cent of the cattle stock and 60.56 per cent of sheep and goats.
Vaccinated animals and culling policy
Asked about the prospect of exempting vaccinated animals from culling, Georgiadou said animals that have received two jabs and are not in proximity to infected farms are considered protected, although she added that nothing is for certain.
What measures do you think should be prioritised to limit the spread of foot-and-mouth disease?
