The authorities of Larnaca District have been put on full alert due to the rapid spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus. An emergency meeting with experts from the European Commission was held on Tuesday evening, during which detailed information on the epidemiological situation in the 10 km surveillance zone was presented.
On the basis of these data, it was decided to start vaccination immediately, in close cooperation with private veterinarians who are already familiar with the farms and are in constant contact with the farmers in the area.
The first vaccinations will be carried out in the most dangerous areas, the so-called "red zones", while each farm will be treated according to the data collected, with a combination of vaccination and, where necessary, culling of animals to prevent further spread.
Exports of live animals banned
The Cypriot authorities underline the need for immediate cooperation of the farmers and strict compliance with the protective measures in order to contain the epidemic and avoid more serious economic and health consequences for the sector, which is one of the main sources of income in Cyprus.
At the same time, all exports of live animals have been banned, while livestock farmers are in despair as their herds become infected and their income is dwindling.
Around 20,000 vaccines are expected to arrive in Cyprus from the occupied territories, where the foot-and-mouth outbreak was first recorded, while the Commission has announced that more than 500,000 doses of vaccines will be sent to the island.
Containment measures and disinfection continue, with authorities stressing the need for universal compliance by all.
