Cyprus is facing a major outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, with authorities racing to prevent widespread devastation of the country’s livestock sector. The rapid spread of the virus has triggered nationwide restrictions, mass culling of animals and the formal activation of European Commission support mechanisms.
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, confirmed that Cyprus is in close contact with the European Commission. “We are in constant communication and guidance from the Commission,” she said, adding that the priority is rapid coordination to protect production and livestock farmers.
European experts are expected to arrive in Cyprus to assess additional measures alongside Veterinary Services officials. Guidance is also anticipated regarding potential emergency vaccination.
Outbreak concentrated in Larnaca
The virus has been confirmed in 11 livestock units in Larnaca district, including one cattle unit and ten sheep and goat units. More than 13,100 animals have already been culled.
The affected farms are located in Aradippou, Oroklini, Troulloi and Livadia. The number of culled animals continues to change as inspections progress.
Senior veterinary officer Sotiria Georgiadou described it as positive that the outbreak remains geographically contained. All new cases have been detected within the initial 10-kilometre surveillance zone.
Disinfection checkpoints have been installed and restriction zones expanded.
How the virus spreads
Authorities warn that foot-and-mouth disease spreads extremely easily. According to officials, transmission can occur through air, vehicles, footwear, clothing and equipment.
Comprehensive nationwide testing is not feasible, as thousands of livestock holdings would need to be sampled simultaneously. Surveillance therefore remains focused within 3- and 10-kilometre control zones.
Officials reiterated that the disease affects only cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. It does not infect humans and cannot be transmitted through food consumption.