The Cyprus government confirmed on Wednesday that it will pay approximately €4.5 million in emergency compensation to farmers affected by the ongoing foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Thousands of animals culled
The compensation covers the culling of roughly 13,000 animals from 11 livestock units across Livadia, Oroklini, Troulloi, and Aradippou, as authorities work to halt further transmission of the virus.
Veterinary services emphasised that the outbreaks remain under continuous epidemiological investigation, with efforts focused on tracing how the virus entered and spread between farms. Laboratory testing conducted on January 28 across 130 farms within three kilometres of the Green Line had returned negative results, leading to the temporary lifting of disinfection measures at crossing points.
Vaccination campaign under way
The European Commission has confirmed the arrival of 529,000 vaccine doses in the coming days, supplementing an initial batch of 10,000 expected from the north on Wednesday. Specialists from the EU Veterinary Rapid Response Team (EUVET) are advising on vaccination strategy and supporting local veterinary services.
Deputy Troulloi Mayor Spyros Pamboullou highlighted the outbreak’s impact on livestock production, noting that many farms in Aradippou operate large numbers of animals and contribute significantly to milk and meat supply.
Biosecurity measures and containment
Strict biosecurity measures remain in place despite some easing at crossings. Roads to livestock units in Troulloi are closed, vehicle spraying continues, and six tyre sterilisation tanks are being installed with the assistance of Aradippou municipality. Each tank costs €6,000, bringing the total to approximately €36,000.
Authorities are also investigating whether any cases were concealed or reported late, which may have allowed the virus to circulate before containment measures were fully applied. Emergency measures under EU rules, in force since mid-February, include nationwide restrictions on the movement of cloven-hoofed animals and animal feed, disposal of milk from infected units, and burial of culled livestock.
Dairy industry updates
The European Commission has clarified that heat-treated dairy products, including pasteurised goods such as halloumi, may continue to be sold on the EU market. Disinfection points have been established in affected areas, and hunting and dog training activities have been suspended locally to prevent the spread of the virus through soil.
Also read: Agriculture Minister defends response to foot-and-mouth outbreak
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