Cyprus Times

Veterinary Services: Zero New Cases, Culling and Sampling Continue

Published March 19, 2026, 14:07
Veterinary Services: Zero New Cases, Culling and Sampling Continue

Veterinary Services announced that there are no new cases of foot-and-mouth disease, but culling and sampling continue without interruption. The second dose of vaccination will begin at the end of March, while vaccines for pigs are expected by the end of March or early April. The culling of cattle in Geri has been completed. Veterinary Services explained the process of selecting animal burial sites, as well as the methods of tracing and sampling. It was clarified that the samples do not detect antibodies from vaccinated animals, but the virus or antibodies due to natural infection. Tracing is done to identify potential cases from previous movements, even before the first case, going back to early January. Samples are taken within a 3 and 10 kilometer radius around the cases, as well as in all provinces. Veterinary Services called on livestock farmers to be informed by the competent authorities and to contact them for any questions. They stressed their willingness to cooperate and help livestock farmers, offering guidance and support.