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.