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Foot and Mouth Disease: Is consuming vaccinated or infected animals safe?

Published February 26, 2026, 18:40
Foot and Mouth Disease: Is consuming vaccinated or infected animals safe?

The safety of consuming meat from animals that have contracted foot and mouth disease or have been vaccinated is a concern for many consumers. The President of the Veterinary Association, Dimitris Epameinondas, assured that the disease does not affect humans and that vaccination is completely safe for animals, with no withdrawal period for the consumption of their products. Mr. Epameinondas explained that the ban on meat exports is due to trade agreements that do not allow exports from countries under a foot and mouth disease regime. Simultaneously, vaccination will be extended beyond the province of Larnaca, starting with the areas within 3 and 10 kilometers around the outbreaks. According to European regulations, vaccinating animals that have the virus depends on the choices of each member state. The supply of thousands of vaccines from both the occupied territories and abroad is necessary due to the need to repeat the vaccine within two weeks to further limit the spread of the virus. Veterinarians aim to complete 10,000 doses by Saturday, February 28, which seems feasible at the moment. The situation is being closely monitored to ensure effective disease control and the protection of animal health.