**No New Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases Detected in Cyprus Testing**
Recent testing for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Cyprus has yielded no positive cases, particularly in the restriction zones around Pachna. This encouraging news was shared by members of the epidemiological team following a meeting with the Veterinary Services on Friday.
Professor Demetris Tsaltas, a member of the epidemiological team and a faculty member at Tepak, reported that only a few farms in the Pachna area remain to be tested. He expressed optimism about the pending results, stating, “We hope the results there will also be negative.” As of now, a total of 830 livestock units across Cyprus have been inspected, excluding the remaining tests in Pachna.
In Paphos, all second-round tests have returned negative results, and testing will continue within the 10-kilometre restriction zone in Limassol. Since the outbreak began, approximately 2,293 cattle, representing 3.5 percent of the national herd, have been culled. Additionally, 43,411 sheep and goats, or 9.5 percent of the total population, and 23,242 pigs, accounting for 7.7 percent of the national herd, have also been removed from farms.
Over the past week, 31 livestock units were tested, with results from 25 already returned. Professor Tsaltas commended the collaboration of the police and National Guard in managing the outbreak, noting their significant contributions to enforcement and disinfection operations. “The assistance offered by the police and National Guard has been very, very important,” he stated.
While the situation appears to be under control, Tsaltas emphasized the need for continued vigilance. He urged farmers and the public to report any unusual occurrences to the Veterinary Services or the police, highlighting that the issue affects everyone, not just those in agriculture.
Vaccination efforts are set to resume next week, with the current program expected to continue until early or mid-August. Tsaltas remarked that the combination of biosecurity measures, vaccinations, and restrictions has proven effective thus far. However, he cautioned against prematurely declaring the danger over, stating that a thorough evaluation must be conducted before any conclusions are drawn.
Regarding the future of farming units that have experienced culling, Tsaltas indicated that certain preconditions must be met before new animals can be introduced. For the time being, these units will remain empty. He noted that the arrival of summer, with its sunny days and high temperatures, is beneficial in helping to eliminate the virus.
Looking ahead, Tsaltas expressed optimism, estimating that by autumn, there will be no new cases. Following inspections, a limited number of animals may be introduced to the affected units, paving the way for the potential restoration of these farms.
As the situation develops, authorities remain committed to monitoring and controlling the spread of FMD, ensuring the safety of livestock and the agricultural community in Cyprus.