All tested samples related to the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus have returned negative, raising hopes that the virus has been successfully contained, according to Dr. Demetris Epaminondas, member of the government’s epidemiological team. Currently, 121 livestock units remain classified as infected, with results from a final batch of samples from the Limassol district expected soon. If these samples also test negative, it will mark the completion of surveillance efforts within the three-kilometer radius of affected farms.

Culling operations were completed last Friday, and vaccination efforts are ongoing, with new vaccine doses received to cover remaining livestock units in Paphos and Limassol. Authorities continue to maintain strict controls along the demarcation line, including police patrols and existing crossing point measures, while discussions are underway for additional precautions between the authorities, police, and National Guard.

Officials stress it is too early to lift restrictions; decisions will rely on the successful completion of vaccinations and full epidemiological assessment. No livestock imports are currently planned to replenish losses, as domestic recovery is deemed sufficient. Preliminary findings suggest the infected livestock unit in Pachna may have been the sole source of the outbreak in Limassol, but a full epidemiological report is pending.