FOOT AND MOUTH IS A NIGHTMARE WITHOUT END - 24,000 PIGS ARE KILLED IN PALEOMETOCHO - 102 INFECTED UNITS NATIONWAIDE - SPREAD OF THE VIRUS OUTSIDE QUARANTINE IS A MYSTERY - Filenews 21/4 by Angelos Nikolaou
In the last twenty-four hours, the detection of a case in a third large pig farm in the area of Paleometochos was confirmed, bringing the total number of animals to be killed in this area to 24,000.
The new outbreak was detected in a unit with 5,000 pigs, which is in addition to the previous two that had already been restricted. The decision to slaughter all 24,000 pigs in these three units is considered a one-way street to prevent further spread, but the blow to the local economy and the meat supply chain is expected to be incalculable. The population of the first unit has already been slaughtered with 4,000 pigs, followed by the second with 15,000. The completion of the killing is expected at the end of April-beginning of May.
According to official data, the situation on a nationwide scale is awe-inspiring, as the number of infected units has now reached 102. Despite the strict measures and safety zones that had been established, the virus seems to be moving faster than the suppression mechanisms.
The most worrying element, which is of great concern to the Veterinary Services, the Ministry of Agriculture, is how the virus managed to "travel" to Paleometochos. This area is located at a significant distance from the original quarantine zones, which raises serious questions about the mode of transmission.
Authorities are investigating all possible scenarios, considering:
a) The possibility of illegal movement of animals or feed.
b) The transfer of the virus through vehicles that have not been properly disinfected.
c) Even the possibility of transmitting the virus by human factors or mechanical means, mainly during the Easter period.
The issue in Parliament
The escalation of the crisis brings the issue before the Agriculture Committee of the Parliament, where explanations are expected from the competent bodies for the management of the situation. Livestock farmers are in despair, asking for immediate financial support, while public opinion is watching with bated breath the developments that threaten to blow up Cypriot livestock farming.
