FOOT AND MOUTH - 30,493 ANIMALS KILLED IN 50 UNITS - Filenews 1/4 by Angelos Nikolau
With the killing of tens of thousands of animals and the strict observance of health protocols, the cycle of foot-and-mouth disease management in Cyprus continues. From February 19, when the alarm was sounded in the Veterinary Services, until today, the competent authorities proceeded to complete the killings in all units where infected animals were found.
In total, 50 units were affected, in which the measure of universal killing was applied to contain the disease. A total of 30,493 animals were killed, of which 28,583 sheep and goats in 42 units and 1,910 cattle in 8 units.
The focus is now on prevention and protection of the pig sector. The necessary vaccines for pigs are already in Cyprus and the Veterinary Services are preparing the final action plan.
To ensure that there is no transfer of the virus during the process, vaccination will be carried out under draconian safety measures. Vaccinations will be carried out exclusively by the veterinarians of the pigsties themselves. The basic condition is that these veterinarians have remained "clean" throughout the previous period, without having entered cow or sheep and goat units for any reason.
Although the first wave of killings has been completed, the Veterinary Services remain on alert. They are under constant surveillance of the surrounding areas and the faithful implementation of the vaccination plan, with the aim of completely eliminating the threat and restoring normality in the market and production. Epidemiological investigations, tracing and sampling continue both in the infected zones and throughout Cyprus.
As for the first phase of vaccination, it has been completed in 98.5% of the bovine animal population and 80% of the animal population of sheep and goats. The second dose of vaccination has covered 47% of the bovine animal population and 14% of the sheep and goat animal population.
The administrative checks on all farms registered by the Republic of Cyprus in Pergamon concerning veterinary issues have been completed and their suspension of operation has been lifted. As a result, these plants can place their products on the market.
