The first reported case of foot and mouth disease in a pig farm was reported in Paliometochos in the Nicosia district on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infected livestock units to 84.

According to the veterinary services, the incident was identified following a sample test on the farm due to the signs exhibited by a number of the 4,000 animals there, prompting the creation of a new safe zone to the west of Nicosia.

As testing and sampling procedures continue, five more positive sheep and goat units have been confirmed in Yeri, as well as a sheep and goat unit in Dali and three units in Dromolaxia, with the total number in the Republic reaching 84 units, the majority of which, 61, is located in the Larnaca region.

Meanwhile, culling procedures for animals in Nicosia and Larnaca are continuing, with around 1,358 sheep, goats and 190 cattle having been culled so far this week and measures to continue this week.

The second case of cattle vaccination has since reached 73.5 per cent, 56.3 per cent with sheep and goats and 84 per cent of pigs located in the areas of Nicosia and Larnaca.