Newsroom
Veterinary authorities report steady progress in efforts to contain the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, with no new cases recorded and the number of affected livestock units holding at 42.
So far, vaccination coverage has reached roughly 85% of cattle and 45% of sheep and goats. Officials expect to begin administering second doses between late March and early April, approximately three to four weeks after the initial vaccinations.
According to senior veterinary official and spokesperson Dr. Sotiria Georgiadou, the next critical step will follow the completion of the second round. After allowing time for immune response, authorities will conduct tests to determine whether animals have developed antibodies. These results will help identify areas where the virus may still be circulating and guide measures to limit further spread.
Containment operations are ongoing across several locations. Culling of cattle has been completed in Geri, while similar actions continue in Dromolaxia and Oroklini, although weather conditions have caused some delays. At the same time, trenching work is underway at a site in Dali as part of disease control measures. Surveillance efforts, including sampling and contact tracing, are continuing without disruption.
Authorities are also extending their investigations backward to identify possible earlier infections, examining cases that may date as far back as January across all districts. Additional vaccine supplies are expected to arrive from Germany in early April to support the ongoing campaign.
Officials emphasized the importance of public cooperation, particularly from livestock farmers, noting that veterinary services remain available around the clock through district offices. While a comprehensive response plan is being developed, it has not yet been fully formalized.
In cases where individuals obstruct the work of authorities, administrative penalties may be imposed. However, there have been no new developments regarding complaints previously filed with the police.
Strict procedures are being followed for the disposal of culled animals. Burial sites are prepared according to agreed technical standards, involving excavation with military assistance and the use of clay and lime layers before covering with substantial amounts of soil. Authorities state that these measures ensure environmental safety, with groundwater monitoring carried out by the Water Development Department.
Finally, officials stressed their commitment to protecting local livestock heritage, including the native red cattle breed found in the Paphos region, along with other indigenous animal species.
