Newsroom
Authorities say pigs infected with foot-and-mouth disease will be euthanized primarily by shooting, as part of efforts to control the outbreak. The approach was outlined by Veterinary Services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou during a television appearance, where she described the process as especially challenging.
She pointed to several difficulties, including the layout of the facilities, the large size of the animals, and their aggressive behavior. In addition to firearms, other approved methods such as captive bolt devices may be used where practical and permitted by law.
According to current figures, 98 livestock units have been affected, with 28 located in Nicosia and 70 in Larnaca. Four designated infection zones have also been identified.
So far, culling has affected 2.6 percent of cattle, 6.6 percent of sheep and goats, and about 1 percent of pigs. These numbers are expected to rise once approximately 4,000 animals in Paliometocho are dealt with.
Vaccination efforts are ongoing, with coverage reaching 73.5 percent in cattle, 57 percent in sheep and goats, and 95 percent in pigs.
