Foot-and-Mouth Disease vs. Covid: Differences and Treatment

The culling of entire herds due to foot-and-mouth disease is causing reactions from farmers. Cyprus is seeking an exception from European procedures, while farmers are preparing protests.

Sotiria Georgiadou, spokesperson for the Veterinary Services, stated that the culling of cattle showing clinical symptoms continues. Animals without symptoms will soon develop them. Sheep and goats, although with mild symptoms, remain infectious.

The compensation process for farmers takes time to prepare the file. If there is a directive to suspend the culling, it will be implemented.

Regarding the incident in Aradippou, Ms. Georgiadou mentioned a misunderstanding and criticized the movement of farmers, as it is prohibited.

For the occupied territories, there is no clear picture. The response will be through vaccination. Samples have been taken within a radius of three kilometers from the ceasefire line.

Animals with foot-and-mouth disease can be cured, but they are culled to stop the spread of the virus, as they remain infectious even asymptomatically. Isolating the animals is not possible as with COVID, as the virus is transmitted through the soil and air.

An exception may be granted for protected animals, such as mouflons, under conditions. Cyprus is seeking alternative solutions to change the negative response it received.