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Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Culling of Animals Temporarily Suspended - Instructions from the Ministry of Agriculture

Published March 7, 2026, 17:11
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Culling of Animals Temporarily Suspended - Instructions from the Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture has temporarily suspended the culling of animals due to foot-and-mouth disease, pending a meeting between agricultural organizations and the President of the Republic. The suspension was decided after disruption of the work of the Veterinary Services by livestock farmers during today's culling process. The Ministry of Agriculture is in constant communication with the European Commission and has requested the termination of mass culling and the examination of alternative ways to manage the situation. However, the European Commission has not changed its position due to the severity and transmissibility of the disease. At the same time, a pan-Cypriot vaccination campaign is underway to combat foot-and-mouth disease, with simultaneous vaccinations in all provinces. Senior Veterinary Officer Sotiria Georgiou stated that the campaign began on Friday and continues at an intensive pace.