**NICOSIA** – Cyprus is observing a welcome plateau in the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, with no new confirmed infections reported in the latest assessment period. This crucial development comes as veterinary services press ahead with rigorous culling operations and extensive sampling across the island, aiming to decisively curtail the virus’s circulation. While the absence of new cases offers a glimmer of optimism, the authorities are underscoring the imperative for continued vigilance and strict adherence to control protocols.
The total number of confirmed FMD cases currently stands at 42. In parallel with the containment efforts, the Cyprus Veterinary Services are meticulously tracing animal movements retrospectively, casting their net back to early January, predating the February detection of the first case. This comprehensive approach is designed to illuminate the full extent of the virus’s clandestine journey and identify any previously undetected pockets of infection. Sotiria Georgiadou, Senior Veterinary Officer and spokesperson for the Veterinary Services, articulated the strategic rationale behind these extensive investigations: "The objective now is to pinpoint precisely where the virus has been circulating and where it has left residual antibodies, thereby enabling us to effectively isolate and contain the contagion."
Culling operations are progressing, albeit with minor weather-related disruptions impacting sites in Dromolaxia and Oroklini. Significant progress has been made, with the complete culling of cattle in Geri. Meanwhile, excavation of trenches at a new culling site in Dali is underway, signalling the ongoing, dynamic nature of the containment strategy. The Veterinary Services are also preparing for the second phase of vaccinations, anticipated to commence by the close 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 stands at an encouraging 85% for cattle, while sheep and goat vaccination rates have reached 45%.
Addressing concerns voiced by some farmers regarding the accuracy of testing methodologies, Ms. Georgiadou provided a detailed explanation. She clarified that the rapid test identifies 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 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 that vaccinated animals are not falsely flagged as infected.
However, the sustained enforcement of control measures has also led to friction. The Veterinary Services have issued stern warnings to farmers against obstructing sampling and culling activities, highlighting that such actions could incur substantial administrative fines. Reports of farmers impeding sampling operations surfaced recently, 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 where farmers 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 surmount it. The ongoing efforts, encompassing culling, extensive sampling, retrospective tracing, and strategic vaccination, represent a multi-pronged assault on the virus, aiming not only to contain its present 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.