Authorities in Cyprus are maintaining a heightened state of vigilance as they diligently monitor the potential spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This highly contagious viral illness primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals. The increased alert level was initiated three weeks following the initial detection of the disease in Lapathos, Famagusta district. Subsequent to this, three cases were subsequently confirmed. Although no further outbreaks have been reported since these initial instances, the island's veterinary services, in collaboration with international partners, are implementing a comprehensive strategy of preventative and surveillance measures to protect the vital agricultural sector.
The initial outbreak was identified in late December at a farm located in the village of Ayios Sergios, also within the Famagusta district. In response to this significant development, a specialized veterinary emergency team dispatched by the EU Commission arrived in December. This team commenced a thorough investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding the detected cases. Concurrently, efforts to contain the disease are being actively spearheaded by the veterinary services of Cyprus. Crucial collaboration is extending to the British Bases and, notably, the Foot and Mouth Research Institute in Ankara.
A significant component of the ongoing containment strategy involves a multi-phased vaccination programme specifically targeting livestock. Christodoulos Pipis, the head of veterinary services, has confirmed that the initial phase of cattle vaccinations in the North has been successfully concluded. A second phase of these crucial vaccinations is scheduled to commence imminently. Furthermore, Pipis indicated that vaccinations for small ruminants, which encompass sheep and goats, are slated to begin shortly. These vaccination efforts are considered a cornerstone in building essential herd immunity and effectively mitigating the risk of transmission.
Parallel to the vaccination drives, surveillance protocols have been substantially amplified across the island. Veterinary officers are now conducting intensified monitoring of farms situated within a three-kilometre radius of the buffer zone, a critical demarcation line. This enhanced scrutiny involves the systematic collection of biological samples, which are then subjected to rigorous laboratory testing to detect any latent presence of the FMD virus. Livestock farmers have been unequivocally instructed to adhere to stringent preventative practices on their premises, underscoring the shared responsibility in effective disease control.
The British Bases have also reinforced their commitment to preventing cross-border contamination by instituting precautionary disinfection measures at the Pergamos and Strovilia crossings. These proactive actions are designed to create an additional layer of biosecurity, particularly in areas that facilitate movement between different regions. While the primary focus remains on the affected areas and the buffer zone, authorities are diligently working to ensure the protection of the island's free areas, where no confirmed cases have been identified to date. The ongoing vigilance and proactive interventions reflect the profound economic and social implications of an FMD outbreak, reinforcing the imperative for a coordinated and resolute response.