Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Cyprus: Illegal Animal Feed Suspected

The Director of Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, attributed the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus to the illegal trafficking of animal feed from the occupied territories. According to him, information suggests that hay, silage, and other animal feeds were illegally transported and used in breeding units in the free areas.

Mr. Pipis emphasized that the illegal entry of materials from the occupied territories poses a constant risk. The first cases in the occupied territories were recorded in Lapithos in mid-January. In the free areas, the disease was detected in specific farms approximately 15 days before the official notification of the services.

Regarding preventive vaccination, he explained that it cannot be carried out without confirmed cases. It is estimated that approximately 13,000 animals will be culled. Mr. Pipis reassured the public, stressing that there is no risk to public health.