Lesvos: Foot-and-mouth disease cases reach 17 – Four new cases confirmed

Four new cases of foot-and-mouth disease in livestock farms on Lesvos have been confirmed by the Directorate of the Athens Veterinary Centre, according to an update from the General Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

After the latest laboratory confirmation, the total number of cases on the island now stands at 17.

In accordance with the measures предусмотрed under European Regulation (EU) 2020/687, local veterinary authorities are proceeding immediately with the culling of all animals in infected farms, aiming to contain and prevent further spread of the virus.

It is noted that the following measures are being implemented in infected holdings:

• Culling of all animals of susceptible species in the holding and disposal of carcasses.
• Cleaning and disinfection of facilities, surrounding areas, vehicles used for transporting animals, carcasses, materials, etc., as well as any material that may have been contaminated.
• All stocks (milk, dairy products, meat, meat products, carcasses, semen, embryos, ova, hides and skins, wool, manure, slurry, bedding, as well as animal feed) on the holding are isolated or subjected to treatment to eliminate the foot-and-mouth disease virus.

At the same time, a protection zone of 3 kilometres has been established around the infected holdings, within which the following measures apply:

• Registration of all holdings with susceptible species, as well as a full census of animals in these holdings, continuously updated.
• All holdings with susceptible species are subject to regular veterinary inspections, carried out in a way that prevents the spread of the virus.
• Movement of animals for slaughter to Lesvos slaughterhouses is prohibited until further notice.
• Movement of susceptible animals and transfers between holdings are prohibited.
• Fairs, markets, exhibitions, and other gatherings of susceptible animals, as well as their assembly and dispersal, are prohibited.
  Itinerant mating of susceptible animals is prohibited.
• Artificial insemination and the collection of ova and embryos from susceptible animals are prohibited.
• Fresh meat, minced meat, meat preparations, and meat products from susceptible animals within the protection zone may be placed on the island’s market under certain conditions and with authorization from the Local Disease Control Centre.
• Milk and dairy products from susceptible animals within the protection zone may be placed on the island’s market under certain conditions and with authorization from the Local Disease Control Centre.
• The placing on the market of semen, ova, and embryos obtained from susceptible animals originating from the protection zone is prohibited. Any derogation from this decision must be approved by the Local Disease Control Centre. Hides and skins, sheep wool, ruminant hair, and pig bristles from animals within the protection zone may be marketed under certain conditions and with authorization from the Local Disease Control Centre.
• The transport and spreading of manure originating from holdings, facilities, and transport means within the protection zone is permitted under certain conditions and with authorization from the Local Disease Control Centre.
• Animal feed, forage, grass, and straw originating from the protection zone may be marketed under certain conditions and with authorization from the Local Disease Control Centre.