Cyprus has confirmed its first foot-and-mouth disease infection at a pig farm, with the Veterinary Services laboratory verifying a positive case at a 4,000-animal unit in Palaiometocho, in the Nicosia district, following sampling after suspected clinical symptoms were observed.
The confirmed case triggers a new 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone west of Nicosia.
Culling operations are continuing across Nicosia and Larnaca and are expected to run throughout the week. So far this week, approximately 1,358 sheep and goats and 190 cattle have been culled.
Vaccination progress continues across species. The second phase for cattle has reached 73.5%, while coverage for sheep and goats stands at 56.3%. Among pig units within already-infected areas in Nicosia and Larnaca, 84% have been vaccinated.
In Pergamos, the second round of vaccinations has been completed at nine livestock units and remains pending at three others, despite farmers having already given their consent.
The competent authorities said they are awaiting developments from the Foreign Ministry, working in coordination with the United Nations, to secure safe access for private veterinarians to carry out the vaccinations.
Five additional positive sheep and goat units have been confirmed in Geri, one in Dali and three in Dromolaxia-Meneou, bringing the total number of infected units to 84, with 21 in Nicosia and 63 in Larnaca, all within already-infected areas.
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