Dialogos

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: New Cases in 11 Units in Livadia and Oroklini – 22 Farms Infected, Culling and Vaccinations Continue

Published March 1, 2026, 12:00
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: New Cases in 11 Units in Livadia and Oroklini – 22 Farms Infected, Culling and Vaccinations Continue

The spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the province of Larnaca is causing concern, with new cases detected in eleven livestock units in Livadia and Oroklini, bringing the total number of infected farms to 22. Initially estimated at around 13,000 infected animals, the number has increased significantly, with approximately 2,000 new cases in Livadia and an additional 200 animals in three smaller units in Oroklini. The number of infections could reach 16,000 due to the calving season, however, the figures are dynamic and are constantly being adjusted. The arrival of 529,000 doses of vaccine from France, through the European Union, is a significant boost to efforts to limit the disease, with their immediate distribution to private veterinarians. 27,000 doses have already been delivered for the vaccination of goat and sheep units within a two-kilometer radius of pig farms in the infected zone. The Veterinary Services continue the culling of infected animals, sampling, and vaccinations in Oroklini and Aradippou. A positive sign is that all the new units were found within the infected zone, which is considered promising for controlling the spread. Authorities are urging livestock farmers to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures, emphasizing that cooperation from all is critical to protecting farms.