Cyprus has a big problem fighting foot-and-mouth disease. Many farmers in the Geri area do not want to let vets test their animals. These tests are very important to stop the spread of the sickness. When farmers stop the vets, it makes it harder to control the disease.
The country found its first case in February. The government started working quickly to manage it. Soteria Georgiadou from Veterinary Services said that tests are happening everywhere. They are looking for the disease in all parts of the country. They are also checking animal movements from January. This helps them find where the sickness started.
The main issue is the mandatory testing. Animals get two tests. First, a quick test for antibodies. Then, a more detailed PCR test. This test can find antibodies or the virus. If a test is positive, the animal is sick. The tests can tell if the sickness is from a vaccine or from the disease itself.
Because some farmers in Geri refused tests, sick cows had to be killed. More animals will be killed in Dali. The government is also giving vaccines to animals. A second round of vaccines is planned. Special vaccines for pigs should be ready soon.
However, Veterinary Services will not accept farmers not cooperating. Ms. Georgiadou warned that farmers who stop the tests will get fined. The government thinks controlling this disease is very important for health and the economy.
This disease is bad for animals. It also hurts Cyprus's farms and what they sell to other countries. Everyone needs to help with testing, tracing, and vaccines. The problem in Geri is a challenge. But the government wants everyone to work together. This will help keep animals healthy and the economy strong. Work continues in other areas, but bad weather caused small delays. Farmers' cooperation is key to success.