Animal pox spreads to Lefkosa, 6 animals killed and others quarantined in a farm in Hamitköy

It appears that the sheep and goat pox issue in the TRNC which affected livestock in Famagusta have spread to Lefkosia with six farm animals killed in a farm in Hamitköy on Thursay.

The TRNC Ministry of Agriculture announced on Thursday that six sheep and goats from a farm in Hamitköy, which exhibited symptoms were killed, while a further 110 animals at the same location were vaccinated against the disease.

In an attempt to halt the spread of the disease, the TRNC government have implemented a two-month ban on all sheep, goats and cattle from leaving the farm.

Following an investigation, it was learnt that the disease reached the farm after a livestock trader and a producer violated the earlier restrictions placed on animals in Famagusta. The individuals in question have been fined and the issue handed over to the police.

The TRNC has been battling with sheep and goat pox since the end of May, with a total of 35 animals in the Famagusta region infected by May 31. A total of 16,200 animals from 264 farms in Famagusta were initially quarantined.

Cyprus Mail