**LAPITHOS –** Authorities have moved swiftly to contain a burgeoning outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) following the confirmation of four bovine cases at a livestock unit in Lapithos. This marks the second such occurrence in the north this week, prompting immediate quarantine measures and a large-scale vaccination effort aimed at safeguarding the region's agricultural sector. Veterinary officials have placed stringent restrictions on animal movements, including those destined for slaughter, requiring prior veterinary authorization to prevent further dissemination of the highly contagious virus.
The alarm was first raised when a significant and unexplained decline in milk yields was observed at the affected livestock facility. Subsequent laboratory analyses, conducted by a specialized research institute in Ankara, confirmed the presence of FMD. In response, a comprehensive vaccination campaign has been initiated, with approximately 13,000 cattle, sheep, and goats slated to receive inoculations administered by 35 dedicated teams. These vaccinations are anticipated to confer immunity for a six-month period, offering a crucial buffer against the disease's rapid transmission.
Huseyin Cavus, the north's designated 'agriculture minister,' sought to allay public apprehension, emphasizing that FMD poses no direct threat to human health. He pointed out that the virus is susceptible to heat, being rendered inert within seconds at 72 degrees Celsius, a temperature routinely encountered during the processing of dairy products. Despite this assurance, the economic implications for livestock farmers are considerable. FMD can precipitate precipitous drops in productivity, severely impacting livelihoods and the broader agricultural economy. While there is currently no curative treatment for the disease itself, the swift implementation of preventative measures is paramount.
Beyond vaccination, extensive disinfection protocols are being rigorously enforced across a wide geographical area. Livestock vehicles, including those used for transporting animals, feed, and milk, as well as other essential farm equipment entering and exiting agricultural premises, are undergoing thorough sanitization. A disinfection certificate is now a mandatory requirement for any vehicle transporting animals to slaughterhouses, underscoring the imperative of maintaining biosecurity. Areas under heightened scrutiny for disinfection measures include those in Morphou, Lefka, Mesaoria, Ayios Ambrosios, Ayios Epiktitos, and Kyrenia.
Professionals working with animals and livestock farmers are being counselled on enhanced biosecurity practices. These include the diligent use of protective attire, frequent hand hygiene, and regular sanitization of facilities. Farmers are urged to disinfect entry and exit points to their properties, maintain immaculate living quarters for their animals, manage waste effectively, and eliminate standing water, which can harbour pathogens. Crucially, they are advised to refrain from utilising shared vehicles or equipment to minimise cross-contamination risks. Daily monitoring of animal health, with an immediate report to Veterinary Services upon detection of any illness indicators or a sudden decline in milk production, is considered vital for early intervention.
Officials are hopeful that these multifaceted interventions, particularly the widespread vaccination and stringent biosecurity measures, could lead to the eradication of the disease within a three-month timeframe. The current situation highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining robust agricultural biosecurity and the critical role of rapid response in mitigating the potentially devastating economic fallout of zoonotic diseases. The focus remains firmly on safeguarding animal welfare and economic stability within the occupied territories.