EU Experts Recommend Official Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks at Two Cyprus Farms
European Commission experts have advised formally declaring foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks at two sheep and goat farms in Avgorou and Pentakomo, with the final decision pending from Cyprus Veterinary Services Director Christodoulos Pipis. The director is expected to announce his ruling within days, which will cover three suspect holdings in Pentakomo, Alethriko, and Avgorou. The recommendation follows laboratory tests revealing high seropositive rates, indicating exposure to the virus despite no obvious clinical symptoms.
The outbreak has impacted 121 farms across Cyprus, leading to the culling of over 80,000 animals, including sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs. The European Union Veterinary Emergency Team confirmed exposure to the virus through serological tests, while molecular tests showed negative results. Authorities continue epidemiological surveillance and have begun easing restrictions, allowing controlled movement and grazing outside affected zones.
A scientific committee report highlights that densely populated livestock zones contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the disease, recommending spatial planning and collective biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks. Compensation efforts for affected farmers have surpassed €17.5 million, and support schemes to restock farms with genetically valuable animals are underway to rebuild the sector.
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