Cyprus foot-and-mouth outbreak under control as surveillance continues

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is under control and declining, with all but two livestock units testing negative during ongoing surveillance, a senior veterinary official said on Monday. More than 90 per cent of livestock units have completed a two-dose vaccination programme.

Surveillance programme

Dr Demetris Epaminondas, a member of the epidemiological team and president of the Cyprus Veterinary Association, said the second phase of epidemiological surveillance began in mid-June.

More than 30 per cent of livestock units nationwide have been inspected during this phase. Apart from two units that remain under investigation, all others have tested negative.

Improving epidemiological picture

Epaminondas said the results indicated that the outbreak was nearing its end and that the situation was under much better control.

He said high summer temperatures were also helping to destroy the virus and limit its spread.

Restrictions and risks

Further easing of restrictions will depend on a significant expansion of epidemiological monitoring and a higher proportion of completed investigations, Epaminondas said.

Several restrictions have already been lifted to allow livestock units to gradually resume normal operations. However, he warned that grazing remains a risk.