Expert addresses concerns over foot-and-mouth disease containment in Cyprus

Dr. Stavros Malas, president of the Cyprus Institute and head of the special scientific committee, has addressed public concerns regarding the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. He emphasized that the culling of livestock remains the standard European Union protocol to prevent rapid viral mutation and spread. Currently, 7% of the island's livestock population has been affected, with 103 to 105 units confirmed as infected over the last two months. Dr. Malas clarified that the spread, including cases originating from Oroklinis, was linked to the illegal movement of animals prior to February 19, rather than airborne transmission. He explicitly denied that culling will lead to the total loss of all livestock in Cyprus. Investigations continue regarding the outbreak in Western Nicosia, while concerns persist regarding cross-species transmission. Dr. Malas noted that vaccination efforts are showing positive results in containing the epidemic.