Authorities mobilise as cases spread
The foot-and-mouth outbreak in Larnaca district has triggered full mobilisation by authorities, with vaccinations set to begin immediately in affected areas.
The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that a late-night meeting with European Commission experts reviewed the epidemiological situation within the 10-kilometre surveillance zone. Officials decided to proceed with vaccinations in cooperation with private veterinarians who work closely with livestock farmers and are familiar with the affected units.
A follow-up meeting with private vets is scheduled today to finalise the broader action plan aimed at containing the foot-and-mouth outbreak and preventing further spread.
Environmental concerns raised
The Cyprus Federation of Environmental Organisations warned that the evolving situation in parts of Larnaca district presents a renewed challenge for the country.
In a statement, the Federation said the development of foot-and-mouth outbreak cases in the free areas of the Republic demonstrates that zoonotic disease management leaves no room for delays or fragmented responses.
It stressed that mass burial of animals and extensive disinfection at livestock facilities pose additional environmental risks, particularly regarding soil and groundwater protection. The organisation argued that the crisis is not solely a veterinary issue, but one of environmental management, public safety and social stability.
EU support and vaccine shipments
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed that Brussels has been formally informed of outbreaks at one cattle farm and two large sheep and goat units in Livadia, Larnaca district.
An EUVET expert team will be deployed between 24 and 27 February, while Cyprus is set to receive 529,000 vaccine doses in the coming days to help manage the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Exports of susceptible animals and unprocessed animal products to third countries have been temporarily suspended. However, derogations may be granted for heat-treated milk and dairy products, including halloumi, provided pasteurisation standards are met for the EU market.
The Commission said Cyprus has adopted all required control measures under EU law, including epidemiological investigations and laboratory testing.
Strict control measures in place
Authorities are required to act immediately across infected holdings and restriction zones. Measures include on-site culling of animals, safe disposal of carcasses, disinfection of premises, movement restrictions, strict biosecurity protocols and intensive surveillance.
The Commission will define restriction zones at EU level, specifying their duration and perimeter. Within the 3km and 10km zones, susceptible animals must be culled, premises cleaned and disinfected, and movement of animals and products strictly banned.
Emergency EU-level measures are expected later this week, with the EUVET team advising on vaccination use and drafting an emergency vaccination plan.
Trade impact and disease-free status
The World Organisation for Animal Health has suspended Cyprus’ disease-free status following the foot-and-mouth outbreak. As a result, exports of susceptible animals and certain animal products to third countries have been temporarily halted.
Cyprus can no longer issue export certificates requiring disease-free status. Nevertheless, the Commission has urged third countries to respect regionalisation principles and avoid blanket bans once the situation stabilises.
Milk from affected or suspected farms must be discarded safely. Should emergency vaccination proceed, additional mitigation measures will apply in vaccination zones, including a ban on raw milk movements, with possible exceptions for heat-treated products such as halloumi within the EU market.
No new cases detected
Senior Veterinary Officer and Veterinary Services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou confirmed that no new cases have been detected in Larnaca district.
“At this stage we have no new cases. All laboratory samples tested so far are negative,” she said at the Zenon Coordination Centre in Larnaca.
Authorities have completed the culling of cattle from the first infected unit in Livadia and will begin assessing and culling sheep and goats in other affected units. Burial sites have already been prepared.
Fourteen disinfection and checkpoint stations are operating within the 10km surveillance zone, with five additional stations planned. The Game and Fauna Service has also issued a decree banning hunting and the transport of dogs and other animals in affected areas.
Vaccines and ongoing investigations
Vaccine deliveries are expected within the week. The Agriculture Minister, currently in Brussels, has taken steps to secure immediate dispatch.
Authorities continue epidemiological investigations into feed sources and potential links to the occupied areas. Officials are examining internal factors first before expanding inquiries further.
Sampling will continue across both the 3km and 10km zones, with further decisions on vaccination strategy and surveillance expected following consultations with EU experts.
Also read: How the meat market may be affected by foot-and-mouth disease
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