Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Is it Safe to Eat Meat After Vaccination?

Concerns are rising regarding the safety of consuming meat from animals that have contracted foot-and-mouth disease or have been vaccinated. The President of the Veterinary Association, Dimitris Epaminondas, reassured the public on the show ENIMEROSI TORA, emphasizing that the disease only affects animals and not humans.

According to Mr. Epaminondas, vaccination is completely safe for animals, and there is no waiting time for slaughter or consumption of milk. "Vaccination is completely safe for animals, and there is no withdrawal period for drugs concerning animals. Although there is a so-called withdrawal period, for this particular vaccine, that time is 0," he stated.

He also explained that the ban on exporting meat from countries with foot-and-mouth disease is due to trade agreements and not health reasons.

Vaccinations will extend beyond the Larnaca province. "I think we will start from the area of 3 and 10 kilometers and then we will see if we continue further," said Mr. Epaminondas.

The receipt of thousands of vaccines is expected, both from the occupied territories and from abroad, as a revaccination is required in two weeks. The goal is to complete the 10,000 doses by Saturday, February 28th.