Inspections in the Republic of Cyprus have intensified following the detection of foot‑and‑mouth disease cases in the Turkish Cypriot north, according to the daily Fileleftheros.
The newspaper, in a report headlined “Inspections on Green Line Farms for Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease,” said sampling is underway along the Green Line. Laboratory test results are expected by tomorrow, it reported.
Authorities in the south raised the alert after foot‑and‑mouth disease was confirmed at a farm in the north. Concern increased further after a British report confirmed the presence of the SAT1 serotype — a strain never before detected on the island.
Samples have been taken from farms in high‑risk areas including Athienou (Kiracıköy), Lymbia, Potamia (Dereliköy) and Xylotymbou. All results so far have been negative, the paper said. Inspections are continuing within a three‑kilometer radius along the Green Line, and sampling will continue through the end of the month.
To prevent the disease from spreading into the Republic of Cyprus, strict measures have been introduced, beginning with vehicle disinfection. New, larger disinfectant mats have been installed at all crossing points, including those within the British Bases at Beyarmudu and Akyar, according to the Veterinary Services.
The report also said Australia and Canada have temporarily removed Cyprus from their list of countries free of the disease.
The newspaper added that Turkish Cypriot veterinarians have asked their Greek Cypriot counterparts for assistance and guidance on EU legislation related to managing the outbreak.
