Şenkaya: Foot-And-Mouth Disease Cannot Be Transmitted To Humans Through Animal Products

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s Sabahın Haberleri programme, hosted by Canan Onurer, Şenkaya said that an initial shipment of 500,000 vaccine doses would be sufficient to cover all cattle and small ruminants in the country. He noted that authorities aim to complete the vaccination of all livestock within 21 days.

Emphasising that foot-and-mouth disease does not threaten human health, Şenkaya said experts have indicated that transmission to humans is extremely rare and would only be possible through direct contact with infected animals, without posing a serious health risk. He underlined that the disease cannot be passed on through meat or other animal products.

Şenkaya said precautionary measures are being implemented across all farms as if the disease were widespread. Animal movements have been restricted, while slaughter activities are being carried out under strict controls. Given the country’s small size, he said, comprehensive vaccination within a short period is feasible.

He warned, however, that potential livestock losses due to the disease could increase production costs, which may in turn affect meat prices. Şenkaya added that the sector is already struggling to meet demand, noting that around 30 per cent of meat consumption is currently supplied from southern Cyprus due to insufficient local production.

As a longer-term solution, Şenkaya said the import of animals for slaughter should be considered, arguing that this would help stabilise the sector more effectively than relying on imported frozen meat, which he described as only a short-term fix.

Reiterating that foot-and-mouth disease does not endanger human health, Şenkaya said the main concern remains the economic impact of possible animal losses. He expressed hope that, with the measures in place, the issue would be resolved as quickly as possible.