Veterinary Services have announced the urgent arrival in Cyprus of a team of veterinary experts from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health to review the situation concerning foot-and-mouth disease, as authorities step up efforts to protect the country’s livestock.
In a statement, the services stressed that farmers are legally obliged to implement specific biosecurity measures. These include effective fencing of farms to prevent access by stray animals and rodents, the disinfection of all vehicles entering and exiting units through wheel baths, and the disinfection of individuals visiting livestock premises.
The measures also require visitors to use personal protective equipment, the recording of the origin of vehicles and persons entering farms, and the sourcing of animal feed exclusively from approved countries. Feed supplies must be thoroughly checked and documented through the relevant accompanying paperwork.
Authorities further emphasised the need for cleaning and effective disinfection of farms, systematic removal of manure and drainage of liquid waste, as well as continuous inspection and monitoring of livestock for any suspicious symptoms associated with foot-and-mouth disease.
Farmers are urged to notify the Veterinary Services immediately in the event of any suspected animal illness.
In coordination with the Department of Forests, the Department of Agriculture and the Game and Fauna Service, and based on risk assessments, targeted spraying operations will be carried out at specific access points to livestock areas in the Larnaca district, with gradual expansion to other areas. Other access routes will be closed.
In addition, from today, press officers will receive daily briefings at 7 pm from the Director of the Veterinary Services at the department’s headquarters in Nicosia.