Larnaca: Veterinary Services announced on Monday that new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been identified at two additional farms, increasing the total number of infected farms to 54 in the districts of Larnaca and Nicosia. The newly detected cases were reported in the Dromolaxia-Meneou area, already within the designated infected zone. One case involves 3-5 sheep and goats, while the other affects around 20 sheep and goats. Despite the outbreak, Soteria Georgiadou, spokesperson for the Veterinary Services, emphasized that there is no risk associated with meat and milk consumption, particularly as Easter approaches.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Senior Veterinary Officer stated, "We have completed the epidemiological investigation based on the statistical sample in all districts and are proceeding with tracing and sampling in infected areas." The Veterinary Services are also continuing with vaccinations, which have so far reached 60% of the cattle population for the second dose and 27% for sheep and goats. Georgiadou also noted that vaccination for pigs has commenced, achieving a 73% coverage in facilities within the infected zone.
Regarding compensation for affected livestock farmers, the Veterinary Services have already issued advance payments for loss of income to those whose animals have been culled, with the total compensation amounting to £215,460. Georgiadou mentioned that compensation for milk and hay will be provided later, with hopes that milk compensation will be available before Easter to better support livestock farmers.
The process of collecting necessary documentation for substantial compensation due to income loss is underway. Eligible farmers have been requested to submit relevant information, such as tax returns, to compile individualized files for monthly income loss compensation.
The Special Advisory Committee on Compensation aims to establish a fair compensation framework based on actual data and specific farm characteristics. Payments are proceeding according to timelines discussed in committee meetings, which include representatives from livestock and agricultural organizations.
Concerning the potential spread of the virus to uninfected areas, Georgiadou confirmed that all samples from remaining districts have tested negative. She urged strict adherence to measures to prevent further infection. The Veterinary Services are also on high alert for inspections at slaughterhouses and retail meat outlets, particularly ahead of Easter, to ensure smooth operations and prevent virus spread.
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a dedicated website (www.footandmouth.gov.cy) providing information and guidelines on FMD management. The site includes an interactive map developed in collaboration with the 'KOIOS' Center of Excellence at the University of Cyprus, showing protection and surveillance zones, as well as disinfection points.
The FMD outbreak, initially reported on February 20, affected thousands of animals, including cattle and sheep, in Larnaca and subsequently Nicosia. The outbreak followed a similar incident in the island's Turkish-occupied areas last December. Despite the outbreak, Cyprus' top agricultural export product, Halloumi, has not been impacted. Experts stress that FMD poses no danger to humans.