Foot and mouth: no risk to humans

AUTHORITIES yesterday reassured the public there was no risk to humans from foot and mouth.

Health Minister Costas Kadis said that they were on top of the situation, but that in any case there was no cause for alarm.

"The situation is under control… there is nothing to worry about," Kadis told newsmen soon after it was confirmed that livestock were contaminated with the O type of the virus.

Preventive measures for the public generally consist of advice to keep away from contaminated areas, and using disinfectant carpets at airports for flights arriving from countries with suspected FMD.

The Veterinary Services had their work cut out for them yesterday, monitoring the situation, ensuring that quarantines were implemented and deliberating with EU experts newly arrived on the island.

The Mail was unable to reach the head of the busy department for comment. But asked whether FMD posed any danger to the public, one administrative officer there said:

"Absolutely not. 100 per cent not."

Although humans can contract FMD, this is extremely rare and the symptoms – if they occur – are mild.