Foot-and-mouth disease cases rise to 49 in Cyprus

Veterinary Services in Cyprus have announced three new cases of foot-and-mouth disease, bringing the total number of infected units to 49 across the districts of Larnaca and Nicosia. The latest cases were identified within the infected zone of Dromolaxia-Meneou and involve two sheep farms and one cattle unit, totaling approximately 340 sheep and 118 cattle. While earlier reports from the Ministry of Agriculture on March 25th indicated no new cases, subsequent findings confirmed the spread. Stavros Malas, head of the scientific committee for the reconstruction of the livestock sector, reported that 5.5% of the country's livestock, excluding pigs, has been affected. Authorities are continuing culling and vaccination programs, with 500,000 additional vaccine doses expected by the end of March. Total losses estimated by various sources include approximately 28,000 sheep and goats and 2,000 cattle. The government states it is following all recommendations from the European Commission to manage the outbreak and facilitate compensation for affected farmers.