Culling underway at Palaiometocho pig unit after FMD outbreak

Culling of pigs has begun at the first pig unit confirmed to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Palaiometocho area, Veterinary Services spokeswoman Sotiria Georgiadou said on Friday, stressing the critical importance of strict adherence to restriction measures as the virus spreads more aggressively among pigs.

Referring specifically to the affected pig unit with a capacity of 4000 animals in Palaiometocho, she said there is concern, as initial estimates had suggested that any infected pig farms would likely be found within already affected areas, rather than in a more remote location.

“Nevertheless, we have taken all necessary measures and are acting swiftly to contain the virus by culling the animals,” she said.

Responding to questions about livestock sufficiency for milk production, she noted that so far 2.6 per cent of cattle and 6.6 per cent of sheep and goats have been culled.

She reiterated that, in terms of milk and meat reserves and overall livestock, the situation remains manageable for now.

“The aim is to contain the spread of the virus in pig farming as well,” she said, adding that culling at the affected unit has already begun to prevent the virus from spreading beyond the area.

She also pointed out that pigs release larger quantities of the virus and spread it more intensely, making it crucial to confine the outbreak strictly to the specific unit.

Asked about the effectiveness of the response so far, Georgiadou stressed that restrictive measures must be followed “meticulously and very strictly”, noting that there have been cases of non-compliance, which contributed to the spread detected so far.

She added that in the two main livestock areas in Nicosia and Larnaca where the virus had spread, containment efforts had been relatively effective for a considerable period.

She explained that it had been expected that infected herds would be identified within zones of three and 10 kilometres in those areas.

Amid the ongoing culling, concerns have been raised within the dairy sector over the potential impact on milk supply and production.

The cheesemakers association president, Michalis Koulouros, said developments remain “worrying” and that the sector is closely monitoring the situation.

“The concern will continue to exist until we are done with this situation,” he said, adding that the primary issue is the potential reduction in milk supply if culling continues.

He said there has been no immediate impact on cheesemaking over the past one to two weeks, but warned that “if the culling continues, an issue with milk adequacy will arise”.

Koulouros said the association is in ongoing contact with state authorities and is preparing to discuss the latest data at a scheduled meeting, as part of regular updates within the sector.

He added that the focus remains on protecting halloumi production and exports, stating that the association is working with the agriculture ministry to “take the appropriate actions to protect halloumi and exports”.