The province of Limassol is now on red alert, after the official confirmation of the first case of foot-and-mouth disease in the area, which was detected on a farm with 66 sheep and goats in the community of Pachna.
This development breaks the previously clear history of the province and puts the Veterinary Services in full mobilization, in order to prevent the further spread of the disease in the livestock heart of Limassol.
The geographical spread of the virus is of great concern, as a total of 117 infected units have been identified throughout Cyprus so far. The distribution of the affected farms reflects the magnitude of the problem:
• 100 sheep and goat units: 73 are located in Larnaca (of which one was operating illegally), 26 in Nicosia and one in Limassol.
• 14 cattle units: 9 in Larnaca and 5 in Nicosia (including one illegal unit).
• 3 pig farms: All concentrated in western Nicosia.
From the analysis of these 117 outbreaks, it appears that the virus has penetrated all levels of production:
▪ 79 normal units.
▪ 29 very small units (with a population of less than 50 animals).
▪ 4 livestock units (one of which is a fattening unit).
▪ 3 pigsties.
▪ 2 illegal units (one of cattle and one of sheep).
The numbers of animals that have been or are being taken for slaughter translate into a huge blow to the Cypriot economy and the primary sector.
So far, a total of 70,656 animals have been killed. A total of 43,156 sheep and goats, 3,017 cattle and 24,483 pigs have been slaughtered.
The numbers of infected (and killed or about to be killed) animals account for 11 % of the total number of adult sheep and goats, 3.5 % of the total number of bovine animals and around 7.8 % of the total number of pigs.
They were surprised by the news of the case
In a communication that filenews had with the community leader of Pachna and president of the Krasochoria Complex, Andreas Savvas, it was stated that everyone was surprised by the news of the case.
Pachna has 28 livestock units, with about 10,000 animals registered with the Veterinary Services. As he mentioned, so far he has not received official information, however he noted that almost the entire area is expected to be quarantined within a radius of 10 kilometers, including the communities of Pachna, Agios Ambrosios, Anogyra, Avdimos, Prastio and Pissouri.
This is a surveillance zone and a protection zone. In fact, he noted that he was informed about the incident by journalists, even before there was an official announcement.
According to information, the infected unit is located between the communities of Pachna and Prastio and is isolated from the rest, while it is adjacent to another small farm with 25 sheep.
In his statements, the breeder Kostas Salatas stated that there is turmoil in the area. "All livestock farmers have vaccinated our animals twice in the last month. This development worries us," he said.
The area of Pachna – Prastio – Anogyra is a purely livestock zone with sheep and goats.
Protection and surveillance zones
Protection zone (3 km)
The protection zone is determined within a radius of at least 3 kilometers from the outbreak of the disease. Strict measures are applied in this zone, with an emphasis on:in enhanced surveillance
the recording and monitoring of farms
restrictions on the movement of animals and animal products
the strict implementation of biosecurity measures
Surveillance zone (10 km)
The surveillance zone shall be defined within a radius of at least 10 km from the hearth and shall include the protection zone. In this zone, monitoring and control measures are implemented for the early detection of new cases, such as:surveillance of the epidemiological situation
Restrictions on the movement of animals and animal products
Targeted controls on farms
Movement of animals and products
In the protection and surveillance zones, restrictions apply to the movement of livestock, animal products and related materials. Movements are allowed only under specific conditions and in accordance with the applicable decrees of the competent authority.
The killing of the unit's animals has begun - The announcement of the Veterinary Services
Detection of a positive case of foot-and-mouth disease in a unit of 66 sheep and goats in Pachna, Limassol, which does not directly border with other units
The Veterinary Services, within the framework of the nationwide sampling they are carrying out to evaluate the epidemiological data, identified this afternoon a positive case of foot-and-mouth disease in a sheep and goat unit in Pachna, Limassol, with a number of registered animals of 66.
At the same time as informing the person in charge of the farm, the Veterinary Services took the necessary measures to isolate and block the unit through appropriate control points. Control and surveillance zones of 3 kilometers and 10 kilometers radius respectively have been demarcated around the unit.
The unit has also completed the second vaccination, it is not directly adjacent to other livestock units. It is noted that the 2nd dose of vaccination has been completed in the Limassol district, in sheep and goats and cattle.
The Veterinary Services are working tirelessly to investigate the new incident and evaluate the new epidemiological data.
The process of killing the animals of the unit has already begun.
The public will be kept informed by the Veterinary Services of any new developments, while it is reminded that sampling is being taken on a Pancyprian basis, with the flow of results being continuous throughout the day, 7 days a week, until late at night.
