Foot and Mouth disease detected in Cyprus
FMD has been detected at the port city of Larnaca.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) has been detected in Cyprus.
Clinical signs of the contagious disease have been confirmed in cattle and sheep at the port city of Larnaca in Cyprus.
The UK government has already applied restrictions to certain Cypriot commercial imports to Great Britain. This ban includes live animals from FMD-susceptible species, hay and straw, germplasm, fresh meat, meat products that are not heat-treated, untreated milk and dairy products and animal by-products.
Commercial import of cheeses is permitted, providing they meet heat treatment requirements and are accompanied by the mandatory health certificate. Personal imports of meat and dairy from the EU remain prohibited.
Defra states that there are currently no cases of FMD in the UK. However, due to the disease’s highly contagious nature, livestock keepers are advised to remain rigorous on biosecurity.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Cyprus, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.
“Robust plans are already in place to minimise the risk of disease incursion to support Britain's farming community and food security.
“Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
The clinical signs of FMD vary per animal however, in cattle, the main signs include sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue. Sheep and pigs may develop lameness, with a potential for blistering.
Any suspected cases of FMD must be reported to Defra immediately. Defra has provided a guide for identifying and reporting FMD.
Defra says that it will continue to apply ‘proportionate, science-based measures’ to defend animal health while facilitating safe trade.
Image © Shutterstock.com/em_concepts
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