Update on foot-and-mouth disease containment and vaccination efforts in Cyprus

Cyprus veterinary services are continuing their efforts to contain foot-and-mouth disease, confirming a new infection in a goat and sheep farm in Dromolaxia housing approximately 85 animals, which are scheduled for culling. Sources provide conflicting data on the total number of infected units, reporting figures between 50 and 52 across the Larnaca and Nicosia districts. Epidemiological investigations in the Paphos district have concluded with negative results, while testing continues elsewhere to complete a national statistical sample by next week. The second round of vaccinations for cattle has reached 52% to 60.8%, while sheep and goat vaccination coverage stands at 26.5%. Authorities have commenced pig vaccinations, prioritizing farms within established infected zones. Additionally, the Veterinary Services have issued text messages to livestock traders and slaughterhouses to intensify biosecurity measures ahead of the Easter holiday, including instructions to limit contact with livestock farms. Officials warned that further detections within the 3km and 10km zones of Larnaca and Nicosia remain probable.