**FMD Situation Stable, Ongoing Vaccination Efforts Confirmed by Veterinary Association**
The current status of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Cyprus is stable, with no new cases reported and vaccination efforts continuing across the island. This update was provided by Demetris Epaminondas, the chairman of the veterinary association, during a statement made on Saturday.
Epaminondas highlighted that all recent samples taken from Limassol, as well as the latest samples from Nicosia, have returned negative results. This development is encouraging for local farmers and the agricultural sector, which has been on high alert due to the disease's potential impact.
To further monitor the situation, the veterinary association plans to initiate an island-wide surveillance campaign aimed at determining the levels of antibodies present from the vaccinations and assessing whether the FMD virus is circulating in other areas. This proactive measure is intended to enhance the understanding of the disease's spread and ensure that appropriate actions can be taken if necessary.
Vaccination efforts are ongoing throughout the Republic of Cyprus, with expectations that the current vaccination campaign will be completed by the end of August or early to mid-September. When questioned about the availability of vaccines, Epaminondas assured that there is no shortage, stating that supplies are adequate to fulfill the current vaccination needs. Additionally, he noted that vaccinations for pigs are currently underway, further bolstering the efforts to control the disease.
Regarding the culling of infected animals, Epaminondas confirmed that all necessary cullings have been completed except for specific breeds, namely fat-tailed sheep and red cattle. The completion of these measures is part of the broader strategy to manage the outbreak effectively.
As summer approaches, Epaminondas expressed optimism that the hot weather could play a beneficial role in controlling the disease. The higher temperatures are expected to diminish the virus's ability to survive in the environment, thereby reducing the risk of transmission. He emphasized that the combination of favorable climatic conditions, adherence to biosafety protocols, and the ongoing vaccination efforts are crucial in stabilizing the situation.
The veterinary association remains committed to monitoring the FMD situation closely and ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to protect livestock and the agricultural community. As the island prepares for the fall season, the association is focused on maintaining vigilance and readiness to respond to any changes in the disease's status.
In summary, the veterinary association's latest update provides a sense of reassurance to the agricultural sector in Cyprus, as ongoing vaccination efforts and negative test results contribute to a stable FMD situation. The planned surveillance campaign will further strengthen the response to the outbreak, ensuring that farmers and livestock remain protected as the situation evolves.