An outbreak of sheep and goat pox in the north was reported on Wednesday.
The virus was detected in livestock units in Famagusta, Engomi and Acheritou and these three areas have been quarantined, while vaccination of all animals by the veterinary services began on Tuesday, according to Yeni Duzen.
According to an update on the Near East University website, the virus was first detected in two farms in Famagusta on Friday evening, following which 16,200 animals were quarantined in 264 farms in the wider region.
According to NEU Veterinary Medicine professor, Deniz Seyrek İntaş the sheep and goat pox epidemic poses no threat to humans, provided that meat is well-cooked, as the virus is killed at a temperature of 60C.
Symptoms appear eight to 13 days after transmission the expert said, including fever, listlessness, conjunctivitis, tearing and runny nose.
The expert stated that sheep and goat pox, transmitted through a member of the Capripoxvirus genus from the Poxviridae family, is highly contagious and highly lethal in small ruminants, however, it does not pose an equivalent threat to cattle.
The severity of the disease can vary depending on the virus strain and the age and breed of the animal but mortality rates are high in lambs and immature kids under one month old.
Fully gown animals’ chances of survival is low once infection moves to the lungs, and symptoms such as high fever, abortion, and weakness are observed.