MVP

Tag: animal health

  • Foot-and-mouth disease — Foot-and-Mouth Disease Precautions Implemented at Key Crossing Points

    Foot-and-mouth disease — Foot-and-Mouth Disease Precautions Implemented at Key Crossing Points

    Foot-and-mouth disease precautions have been introduced at the Pergamos and Strovilia crossing points to mitigate the risk of an outbreak after cases were reported in the north earlier this week.

    • Foot-and-mouth disease precautions have been introduced at the Pergamos and Strovilia crossing points to mitigate the risk of an outbreak after cases were reported in the north earlier this week.
    • Importantly, while foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious among animals, it poses no threat to human health.

    On Friday, officials from the British bases announced that precautionary disinfection measures were being enacted at these crossing points. Mark Hartley, head of customs and immigration, stated, “We are taking swift and responsible action. By working closely with the Republic of Cyprus veterinary services, we are doing everything possible to support our partners and keep everyone safe while maintaining smooth operations at crossing points.”

    The disinfection measures include the establishment of dedicated facilities for cleaning and a prohibition on the crossing of animal products. These steps were taken at the request of Cyprus veterinary services to safeguard both animal and public health.

    Reports of the disease first emerged from the Cyprus Turkish veterinarians’ association on Monday, noting a confirmed outbreak at a farm in Ayios Sergios, located in the Famagusta district. The association assured that “all necessary measures will be taken and implemented,” including quarantining and vaccinating affected animals, disinfecting the farm and related facilities, and restricting animal movement.

    Further developments were confirmed on Tuesday by Ankara’s Foot and Mouth Research Institute, which identified four additional cases at a livestock unit in Lapithos in the north. In response, Huseyin Cavus, the agriculture minister for the north, announced a quarantine of the affected area and a ban on animal movement. He indicated that about 13,000 animals—comprising cattle, sheep, and goats—would be vaccinated to prevent further spread of the disease.

    As of now, no cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported in the British bases or in the southern part of Cyprus. This viral disease primarily affects livestock, including cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. While infected animals often recover, they may suffer from weight loss and reduced productivity in terms of milk and meat.

    Importantly, while foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious among animals, it poses no threat to human health.

  • Health Minister Highlights Importance of Animal Health for Public Safety

    Health Minister Highlights Importance of Animal Health for Public Safety

    Animal health is crucial for public health and food safety, emphasised Health Minister Michael Damianos at the 18th conference of the Middle East regional committee for the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in Larnaca. The conference, which convened on Monday and Tuesday, gathered experts, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to enhancing animal health standards across the region.

    Focus on Animal Health and Public Safety

    During his address, Damianos underscored the integral role of animal health in building resilient societies. He noted the relationship between animal well-being and food safety, highlighting that effective animal health measures are essential for ensuring the safety of food products consumed by the public. The conference aimed to address the challenges of zoonotic diseases—those transmitted between animals and humans—emphasising the need for comprehensive strategies.

    Climate Change and Animal Diseases

    Damianos also addressed the impact of climate change on animal health, noting that rising temperatures and changing weather patterns lead to the proliferation of various animal diseases. The health minister pointed out that these environmental shifts require the implementation of effective measures to manage animal populations and safeguard public health. “The distribution of animal diseases is expanding due to climate change, and we must adapt our strategies accordingly,” he stated.

    Proposed Measures for Improvement

    To combat the challenges posed by animal diseases, Damianos proposed a series of measures aimed at enhancing animal health and food safety. These include:

    • Robust Biosecurity Systems: Establishing strong biosecurity protocols to prevent disease outbreaks.
    • Early Warning Detection: Implementing systems for early detection of animal diseases.
    • Harmonised Field Surveillance: Enhancing surveillance and monitoring systems across the region.
    • Real-Time Molecular Diagnostics: Investing in advanced diagnostic technologies for quicker disease identification.
    • Risk-Based Vaccination Programmes: Developing vaccination strategies tailored to specific risks.
    • Cross-Border Information Exchange: Facilitating communication between countries to manage disease threats effectively.

    These initiatives are seen as vital for maintaining a healthy animal population and ensuring the availability of safe animal products for human consumption.

    Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance

    Damianos warned about the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which undermines both veterinary and human medicine. He advocated for the promotion and implementation of a national Antimicrobial Resistance action plan, stressing its importance for the effective management of this pressing issue. “Antimicrobial resistance poses a silent modern threat that we must address with urgency,” he said.

    Enhancing Veterinary Practices

    The minister also highlighted plans to bolster laboratory capacities and implement an e-prescribing platform for veterinary medicines. This initiative aims to ensure that all veterinary medications are prescribed by qualified animal health professionals, thereby improving the management of animal health and reducing the misuse of antibiotics.

    Collaboration and Shared Commitment

    Despite the complexities of the challenges ahead, Damianos expressed confidence in the collective expertise and commitment of the participants at the conference. He stated, “Although the challenges we face are complex, our collective expertise, shared values, and commitment to the principles of WOAH provide us with the necessary tools to overcome them.”

    A Regional Perspective on Animal Health

    Emmanuelle Soubeyran, the Director General of WOAH, echoed Damianos’s sentiments, highlighting the interconnectedness of animal healthcare and public health. She noted that many diseases affecting humans originate from animals, reinforcing the need for a unified approach to animal health. “Animal healthcare also concerns public health, given that many diseases can be transmitted between humans and animals,” she remarked.

    International Cooperation in Animal Health

    The conference also saw contributions from various regional leaders, including Jordanian Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat. Khreisat reaffirmed his commitment to improving animal healthcare and promoting safe international trade. He underscored the importance of collaboration, stating, “Diseases know no borders, and cooperation in times of need strengthens international ties.”

    As the conference continues, participants are expected to discuss further strategies and solutions to bolster animal health in the region, reflecting a strong commitment to ensuring public safety and food security across the Middle East.