The situation with foot-and-mouth disease is under control, with the epizootic disease showing remission, said the member of the epidemiological team and President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, Dimitris Epaminondas.
As he mentioned, in addition to the two units that are still under examination, all the others have recorded negative results. He added that the double vaccination has been completed in more than 90% of the units nationwide.
"We are under control in the second phase of the surveillance that started in mid-June. More than 30% of the units nationwide have been inspected," he initially said.
As he noted, except for the two units that are still under examination, all the others are negative.
"This is something that shows a very good picture epidemiologically. It shows that we are essentially in the retreat of the epizootic disease and that we are better controlling the situation. The situation is under control at the moment," he said.
He also said that high temperatures contribute to the destruction of the virus and limit its spread.
Regarding the possibility of further relaxations, he clarified that "epidemiological surveillance must be increased enough, to reach a very high percentage of epidemiological research, so that we can give additional relaxations".
"We have already proceeded with several relaxations that I think will help the resumption of the operation of the units," he said.
However, he clarified that "grazing at the moment is something that can spread the virus, even in high temperatures".
"It is better to take advantage of this period of summer that will take about a quarter of high exposure to destroy everything that exists in the environment," he added.
At the same time, he noted that "we have proceeded with double vaccination in more than 90% of the units of Cyprus, of the animal population essentially".
In relation to vaccinations in the province of Paphos, he said that solutions have been found and the process is proceeding according to plan.
Referring to the livestock reconstruction plan, which is being prepared by the team of Stavros Malas, he said that this "will increase biosecurity in small areas where many units are concentrated".
He also expressed the position that "a good planning and a good preparation for the winter to come" was made.
At the same time, he clarified that "vaccinations and biosecurity measures will stay for a long time, as they will protect us from the virus coming back, because as you know in the occupied areas, apart from the initial vaccination, they did essentially nothing else".
In addition, he called on livestock farmers who have the opportunity to proceed with the cleaning of their units during the summer, so that they are better prepared for the winter and reduce the risk of new infections.
"Livestock farmers who refuse to get vaccinated must understand that refusal is a thing that can worsen the situation," noted Mr. Epaminondas, appealing to all livestock farmers to cooperate.
"Vaccination protection is important not only for themselves, but also for their neighbours. So it's better to think about the common good," he concluded.
