The European Commission has confirmed its readiness to support Cyprus in containing the outbreak.
Health Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi stated that limiting the epidemic quickly and supporting farmers are immediate priorities. He confirmed that vaccine doses would begin arriving immediately and that EU experts would be deployed on site.
An EUVET expert team is expected to arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday, 24 February, focusing on the government-controlled areas.
Vaccination framework and EU stockpiles
Under EU legislation, preventive vaccination is not permitted. Available vaccines may only be used under a “suppressive vaccination and slaughter” approach, meaning animals in confirmed infected holdings are vaccinated to reduce viral spread and subsequently culled.
The EU Antigen Bank holds more than 9 million doses effective against the current strain, fully financed by the European Union.
Financial assistance mechanisms
The European Union provides co-financing for veterinary emergency measures through the Single Market Programme under DG SANTE.
Co-financing covers:
- Compensation for culled animals
- Cleaning and disinfection costs
- Laboratory testing
The standard co-financing rate is 20 percent of eligible costs, rising to 30 percent for Member States with Gross National Income per capita below 90 percent of the EU average.
Additional support may be provided through CAP strategic plans, state aid schemes and activation of the agricultural reserve.
Local authorities on high alert
Municipalities in Larnaca district have implemented extensive local measures.
Road closures, disinfection tanks and controlled access points have been established in Aradippou, Athienou, Dromolaxia-Meneou and Livadia.
Local livestock farmers have expressed deep concern over the economic and psychological impact of mass culling.
“We confirmed our worst nightmare,” one farmer stated.
Authorities continue to emphasise that strict compliance with biosecurity measures remains the most critical factor in preventing nationwide spread.