The situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease appears to be stabilizing, following the negative results of the latest tests.

According to statements by the President of the Pan-Cyprian Veterinary Association, Dimitris Epameinondas on the Alpha News program, the latest samples were all negative, and at the same time, the culling of animals has been completed.

Foot-and-mouth disease is entering a new phase this week, as the next step involves inspecting the farms that have completed vaccination, a period of 30 days must have elapsed since then.

“We need to assess the level of immunity following vaccination; it is also mandatory to check whether the farm is infected. Temperature helps; the virus thrives at lower temperatures. Therefore, the weather helps reduce the spread of the virus; we do not expect new cases in the near future.”

However, livestock farmers are still waiting for compensation, and the veterinarians who were called in for both vaccinations and culls have not yet been paid either.

“Efforts are being made; some invoices have been signed, but there is a waiting period until the procedures are completed. We hope this will be resolved as soon as possible.”