Case detected in major breeding unit
A unit breeding a rare Cypriot sheep breed has been added to the list of Foot-and-mouth disease cases, raising serious concerns about the survival of the species.
The unit is located in the livestock zone of Dromolaxia and is home to approximately 50% of the total population of this specific breed.
Breed represents just 0.44% of population
The breed in question is the fat-tailed Cypriot sheep, a rare native variety that now accounts for only 0.44% of the island’s total sheep population, facing a significant risk of disappearance.
According to the farm owner, Costas Mouskos, the total number of these sheep stands at just 1,100, with around 500 located on his farm.
Owner appeals to avoid culling
Following the positive case, Mouskos has contacted President Nikos Christodoulides, as well as the Veterinary Services and the Ministry of Agriculture, requesting that his unit be exempt from culling measures.
He stressed both the rarity of the breed and its importance to Cyprus’ agricultural heritage, noting that his is the largest unit of Cypriot sheep in Dromolaxia.
He is now awaiting the final decision of the Veterinary Services on whether the entire herd will be culled.
Part of European conservation programme
The farmer explained that the unit participates in a European programme for the preservation of rare agricultural breeds and is scientifically monitored in collaboration with Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK).
The aim is to improve the genetic characteristics and enhance the milk production of the Cypriot sheep.
“This is the only unit with genetically verified Cypriot dairy sheep, and it does not match any other breed in the world. If culling takes place, the breed is essentially destroyed,” he said.
Generational heritage at stake
Mouskos highlighted that his family has been raising these animals since 1870, with the same flock passed down through generations.
He described the sheep as part of Cyprus’ historical and agricultural identity.
“This is not just our property. It is Cyprus’ heritage. We have preserved these animals with great effort so they remain in our country. I do not want us to be the ones who end a breed that has existed for centuries,” he said.
Concerns over testing procedure
The farmer also questioned the process followed by authorities, stating that sampling was carried out just 15 days after the second vaccination, instead of the 28 days required under protocol.
He explained that the first vaccination took place on March 3 and the second on March 27, while sampling was conducted on April 14. He was informed of the positive result two days later, on April 16.
Emotional strain on family
He described the situation as extremely distressing for both himself and his family, all of whom are involved in sheep and goat farming.
“It is a very emotionally draining situation. You don’t know what the next day will bring. For us, this is not mainly about money, it is about identity and responsibility towards this breed,” he said.
Warnings over irreversible loss
Sotiris Kadis, president of the sheep and goat farmers’ group, also highlighted the rarity of the fat-tailed breed.
He warned that only a very limited number of units keep such sheep and expressed concern over their declining numbers.
“If these animals are culled, the blow to native breeds will be incalculable,” he said, stressing the real risk of the breed being lost entirely.
Also read: Water reserves in Cyprus improve after April inflows
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