Authorities have established a coordination body to tackle the foot and mouth outbreak in Larnaca, where 11 cases have already been confirmed and more than 13,000 animals are affected.
The decision followed a broad coordination meeting held at the Veterinary Services in Nicosia, attended by all competent authorities.
Coordination body under Veterinary Services
The Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Andreas Gregoriou, said the meeting took place following instructions from President Nikos Christodoulides.
The Director General of the Interior Ministry, the National Guard, Police, Fire Service, Game and Fauna Service, Department of Forests and Veterinary Services also took part.
A coordination body will now operate under the Director of the Veterinary Services to ensure strict implementation of measures aimed at preventing the spread of foot and mouth to other livestock units.
Gregoriou urged livestock farmers to apply biosecurity measures immediately to protect their animals. He described the situation as “very difficult” but expressed hope that the coordinated effort would deliver results.
11 confirmed cases, over 13,000 animals affected
Senior Veterinary Officer Sotiria Georgiadou confirmed that 11 foot and mouth cases have been recorded in Larnaca district – one in a cattle unit and ten in sheep and goat farms.
More than 13,000 animals across the 11 units will be culled and buried. Authorities have already started the euthanasia process.
Georgiadou said the virus likely circulated in some units for around two weeks before the first case was confirmed. However, she stressed that all new cases – three in Oroklini, one in Troulloi and one in Aradippou – remain within the original 10km surveillance zone.
Authorities have expanded exclusion and disinfection points in the affected areas.
European experts arriving in Cyprus
A team of European veterinary experts is expected to arrive in Cyprus from Tuesday onwards to assess the situation and advise on further measures.
Sampling continues within protection and surveillance zones, with authorities focusing on the 3km and 10km perimeters around infected farms. Georgiadou explained that simultaneous nationwide sampling is not feasible due to the thousands of livestock units operating across Cyprus.
She clarified that foot and mouth does not pose a public health risk. The focus remains on protecting the country’s livestock and animal products through continuous monitoring and strict containment measures.
Police investigating possible illegal movements
Police have launched an investigation following information suggesting the virus may have entered from the occupied areas, possibly through animal feed. Veterinary Services have provided relevant information to the authorities, and statements are being taken.
Authorities will assess compensation based on standardised procedures. Veterinary officers are already evaluating the value of animals and products at affected farms to determine financial support.
Farmers call for unity and strict measures
The Coordinating Committee of Sheep and Goat Farmers called for collective and coordinated action, stressing that this is not the time for blame.
The committee warned that the foot and mouth outbreak threatens livestock numbers, the commercial course of halloumi production and the livelihoods of farmers involved in the supply chain.
It urged the immediate and strict implementation of a comprehensive package of measures based on EU legislation and scientific data, drawing on experience from other European countries that faced outbreaks in 2025.
Biosecurity measures outlined
Farmers must strictly enforce fencing to prevent access by stray animals and rodents, disinfect all vehicles and persons entering and leaving farms, use protective equipment for visitors and record movements.
They must also ensure animal feed originates from approved countries only, maintain thorough documentation, clean and disinfect facilities systematically, manage manure properly and monitor livestock for suspicious symptoms.
Immediate reporting of any suspected symptoms to the Veterinary Services remains mandatory.
The committee condemned any negligence or deliberate illegality that may have led to the outbreak and called for exemplary punishment where responsibility is proven. At the same time, it described as unacceptable any attempt to blame farmers through the media without evidence.
The committee said it remains available to cooperate fully with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Veterinary Services to control the foot and mouth outbreak effectively.
Also ready: Foot and mouth disease probe focuses on feed from occupied areas
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