Cyprus has a long way to go until the island gets fully rid of the foot and mouth disease (FMD), president of the Pancyprian pig farmers association, Petros Kailas said on Wednesday.

“The last animal that has been vaccinated may have a lifespan of 4–5 years before it is culled,” he said. “In the best-case scenario, we still have 4–5 years ahead of us during which our country will not be free of the virus.”

Speaking on the occasion of the European Union’s decision to extend restrictions on food and mouth disease until June 15, he said that Cyprus had “a very long road” ahead until the island is freed from the disease.

According to the EU decision, trade in animals must be prohibited for three months after the slaughter or death of the last vaccinated animal.

“We’re still finding cases, and not all of them have been reported yet,” Kailas said.

He warned that efforts to vaccinate all cattle, pigs, goat and sheep were still ongoing and that the process may take “several years”.

“The vaccines may be here to stay,” he said.