Cyprus is currently experiencing a welcome pause in the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, with no new confirmed infections reported during the most recent assessment period. This significant development arrives as veterinary services diligently pursue rigorous culling operations and comprehensive sampling across the island. Their primary objective remains the decisive curtailment of the virus's circulation. Although the absence of new cases offers a degree of optimism, authorities are strongly emphasizing the absolute necessity for continued vigilance and strict adherence to established control protocols.
To date, a total of 42 confirmed FMD cases have been identified. In conjunction with these containment endeavours, the Cyprus Veterinary Services are meticulously retracing animal movements retrospectively, extending their investigation back to early January. This period predates the initial detection of the first case in February. Such an exhaustive approach is designed to fully elucidate the virus's clandestine journey and identify any previously undiscovered pockets of infection. Senior Veterinary Officer Sotiria Georgiadou articulated the strategic reasoning behind these extensive investigations: "Our current objective is to pinpoint precisely where the virus has been circulating and where residual antibodies may be present, thereby enabling us to effectively isolate and contain the contagion."
Culling operations are steadily progressing, despite minor weather-related disruptions affecting sites in Dromolaxia and Oroklini. Substantial progress has been achieved, including the complete culling of cattle in Geri. Furthermore, excavation of trenches at a new culling site in Dali is currently underway, illustrating the dynamic nature of the ongoing containment strategy. The Veterinary Services are also actively preparing for the second phase of vaccinations, which is anticipated to commence by the end of March or potentially within the coming week. Preparations for the arrival of specific pig vaccines are also in motion, with their delivery expected by late March or early April. Current vaccination coverage for cattle stands at an encouraging 85%, while sheep and goat vaccination rates have reached 45%.
Addressing farmer concerns regarding testing accuracy, Ms. Georgiadou provided a detailed explanation. She clarified that rapid tests identify antibodies, whereas the more definitive PCR test detects both antibodies and the active presence of the virus. Crucially, she highlighted that current sampling and analysis techniques are specifically designed to detect antibodies originating from natural infection or the virus itself. Antibodies generated by vaccination, even if administered shortly before sampling, are not detectable by these existing methods, thus ensuring vaccinated animals are not erroneously identified as infected.
However, the sustained enforcement of control measures has unfortunately led to some friction. The Veterinary Services have issued stern warnings to farmers against obstructing sampling and culling activities, underscoring that such actions could result in substantial administrative fines. Reports of farmers impeding sampling operations recently surfaced, prompting authorities to reinforce the legal ramifications of non-compliance. In a separate development, an investigation has been launched into a farmer reportedly spreading manure in Aradippou, an action that could potentially contribute to the wider dissemination of the virus. The Nicosia district office is reportedly handling cases involving farmers who have refused to cooperate with necessary procedures.
The resolute stance of the Veterinary Services underscores the gravity of the FMD threat and the collective responsibility required to overcome it. The ongoing efforts, encompassing culling, extensive sampling, retrospective tracing, and strategic vaccination, represent a multi-pronged assault on the virus. These measures aim not only to contain its current spread but also to prevent its resurgence. The coming weeks will be critical in assessing the efficacy of these intensified measures and determining the trajectory towards the ultimate eradication of foot-and-mouth disease from Cyprus.