The European Commission has activated its strategic emergency stockpile, rescEU, to support Cyprus in tackling the fallout from February’s foot and mouth disease outbreak. The move follows a request by Cypriot authorities through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and includes the delivery of disinfectants, personal protective equipment, disposable coveralls, face masks and shoe covers, all aimed at limiting further spread of the virus.
EU steps up support on the ground
Cyprus has been working closely with the Commission since the early stages of the outbreak. Support already provided includes more than one million vaccine doses from the EU vaccine bank, as well as three deployments of an EU Veterinary Emergency Team, offering targeted expertise and operational guidance on the ground.
European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi also visited Cyprus earlier this month, underlining the EU’s support. Várhelyi stressed that foot and mouth disease remains one of the most contagious animal diseases and requires immediate, science-based intervention.
“We are fully mobilised to support Cyprus,” he said, noting that the EU has provided veterinary expertise, laboratory support and vaccine doses, while also committing to financial compensation for affected farmers and operators.
Solidarity and early response
Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said the deployment reflects the EU’s preparedness approach.
“Europe does not wait for crises to escalate. With rescEU, we are acting early and in full solidarity with Cyprus,” she said, adding that the aim is to protect both livelihoods and public health. The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre remains on standby to provide additional assistance if requested, as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.