The culling of 6000 animals in units affected by foot-and-mouth disease is pending, while the second phase of vaccination is expected to be completed in 2-3 months, the President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, Dr. Dimitris Epaminondas, told CNA about the measures decided during yesterday's expanded meeting at the Presidential Palace regarding foot-and-mouth disease.
Referring to the killing of animals, he pointed out that these are provided for by European legislation where a case is found, adding that the President of the Republic yesterday made the decision for immediate killings in the units that tested positive for foot-and-mouth disease, in order to complete this process as well as the surveillance of the 10 km zones from the new cases found in Nicosia and Limassol.
Currently, the number of animals that have been killed is around 70.000, while the killing of another 6000 animals is still pending, said Mr. Epaminondas, underlining that these are expected to take place "as soon as possible, after suitable burial sites have been found and the crews are ready to kill these animals."
"It must always be taken into account that the protection of the personnel carrying out the killings is the most important criterion," he said, adding that "the personnel will not proceed with the killings until the presence of the Police is ensured so that the killings can proceed."
In relation to the decision taken to prevent the movement of animals to the occupied areas, Mr. Epaminondas explained that this should be done in 2 ways. The first is the more effective surveillance of the legal crossing points and the ceasefire line by the Police and the army, he noted, adding that the second way is to increase the fines imposed for such violations. He also expressed the assessment that these measures will be stronger and will contribute to the intended goal, pointing out that the compliance of livestock farmers with these measures will be decisive.
Responding to a question from CNA, the President of the Cyprus Veterinary Association said that animal vaccinations are progressing according to the availability of vaccines, noting that there will be more vaccine deliveries within the month. Specifically, he said that at the end of this week, 500.000 doses of vaccines for ruminant animals (cattle, goats and sheep) will be received, adding that towards the end of the month, another 500.000 doses of vaccines for pigs will be received. "Therefore, the second phase of vaccination will be completed, the entire animal population will be vaccinated nationwide and we will probably have quantities left to be used for the third booster dose," he pointed out.
Asked when the second phase of vaccination will be completed, Mr. Epaminondas explained that there are some units that have not yet received some vaccines, adding that a small number of units have received the first dose of vaccines and are expected to receive the second dose. “We will definitely need another 2-3 months to complete the second phase of vaccination,” he concluded.
Source: KYPE
