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Veterinary Services Activate Emergency Plan Following First Case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Published February 28, 2026, 08:04
Veterinary Services Activate Emergency Plan Following First Case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Following the confirmation of the first case of foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus, the Veterinary Services have immediately activated the Emergency Plan for Category A diseases in terrestrial animals, as stipulated by Regulation (EU) 2020/687. Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious disease and is treated with strict protocols. With the activation of the plan, relevant Disease Control Centers are operational, epidemiological investigations, sampling, and tracing are being conducted, and restriction and biosecurity measures are being implemented in the affected areas. Farmers have already been informed about the biosecurity measures through an official notification in the Official Gazette. Across Cyprus, the movement of cloven-hoofed animals, feed and medicines to and from farms is prohibited, as is grazing and the movement of equipment and people. Visits to farms are also prohibited, except in cases related to animal care and with prior permission from the Director of Veterinary Services. With special permission, the movement of animals to slaughterhouses and the circulation of feed/medicines from approved suppliers are allowed. The measures vary by zone (infected, protection, surveillance) with specific forms (SEA 8 and SEA 16). Emphasis is placed on adherence to biosecurity measures, such as strict access control, disinfection, use of personal protective equipment, visitor logging, and cleaning/disinfection of facilities. The Veterinary Services stress that actions are being taken based on a comprehensive plan.

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