The Veterinary Services announce that the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in horses in the Paralimni area has been laboratory confirmed.
It is clarified that the virus is not transmitted from horses to humans or from horse to horse. Its transmission occurs mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Equines, like humans, are considered accidental hosts and are not a source of further transmission of the virus.
Following the confirmation of the cases, the Veterinary Services immediately proceeded with the planned epidemiological investigation and monitoring actions. At the same time, the Ministry of Health was informed and the cases were reported to the European Commission and the World Organization for Animal Health.
The response to West Nile Virus is being coordinated by the competent Services, based on the established protocols. In this context, the Veterinary Services are monitoring the situation in animals, while the Health Services are taking the required actions for the surveillance and management of mosquitoes.
The Veterinary Services are closely monitoring the situation and, in collaboration with the competent Services, will continue to evaluate the epidemiological data, taking, where necessary, further actions to protect animal health and public health.
