MVP

Tag: foot-and-mouth disease

  • Foot-and-Mouth Disease Triggers Alert in Cyprus

    Foot-and-Mouth Disease Triggers Alert in Cyprus

    Foot-and-mouth disease has emerged in occupied Cyprus, raising significant alarm in the free areas and prompting heightened vigilance to prevent the virus from crossing the Green Line.

    • Foot-and-mouth disease has emerged in occupied Cyprus, raising significant alarm in the free areas and prompting heightened vigilance to prevent the virus from crossing the Green Line.

    This highly infectious zoonotic disease poses a serious threat to livestock farming rather than directly endangering human health. It primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, as well as wild ungulates like deer and buffalo.

    Foot-and-mouth disease: Rapid Spread and Symptoms

    The virus spreads with alarming ease, transmitted through direct animal contact, airborne particles, or contaminated vehicles and equipment. Humans can inadvertently contribute to the virus’s spread by moving between infected and clean areas.

    Infected animals typically exhibit high fever and develop painful blisters in their mouths, tongues, lips, and hooves, which can lead to lameness and an inability to feed. Young animals are particularly vulnerable, with the disease proving fatal in some cases. Management of foot-and-mouth disease relies heavily on prevention, immediate isolation of infected animals, strict biosecurity measures, and vaccination as needed.

    Minimal Risk to Humans

    While foot-and-mouth disease is not considered a serious threat to humans, transmission can occur, although it is exceedingly rare. When it does happen, symptoms are usually mild, such as low fever and mouth irritation.

    Heightened Alert in Cyprus

    The recent confirmation of foot-and-mouth cases in the occupied areas has pushed authorities in the Republic of Cyprus to implement extensive control measures. Quarantines, mass vaccinations of animals, and activation of European monitoring mechanisms are now in effect. The Republic’s Veterinary Services have ramped up preventive strategies, which include stringent checks along the Green Line, vehicle disinfections at crossing points, and increased surveillance of livestock units.

    As of now, the situation in the free areas remains stable, with no cases reported. However, officials stress that the risk of transmission persists, necessitating continuous vigilance and strict adherence to biosecurity protocols by both farmers and the general public.

    Preventive Measures and Community Responsibility

    The ongoing threat of foot-and-mouth disease serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance within Cyprus’s geography. The island’s intense movement of people and livestock highlights the importance of prevention as the most effective ‘vaccine’. Authorities urge everyone to adopt a responsible attitude towards biosecurity, reinforcing the need for cooperation among farmers and citizens alike to safeguard the nation’s livestock and agricultural output.

  • 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.