Dialogos

Veterinary Services Warn of Strict Measures if Livestock Gatherings Continue

Published March 16, 2026, 14:02
Veterinary Services Warn of Strict Measures if Livestock Gatherings Continue

The Veterinary Services of Cyprus have warned livestock farmers who participated in gatherings in the Aradippou area that strict measures will be taken if the movement and gatherings of animals continue. This warning was issued due to the risk of spreading foot-and-mouth disease, which has been identified in specific areas of Cyprus. The spokesperson for the Veterinary Services, Sotiria Georgiou, explained that delays in the culling of infected animals and non-compliance with biosecurity measures have led to the imposition of restrictions on exports, including meat and potentially halloumi. The non-cooperation of some livestock farmers in the culling has caused serious delays. The Veterinary Services emphasize that the disease remains in specific areas and that sampling in other provinces has not shown positive cases. They called on livestock farmers to comply with biosecurity measures, avoid gatherings and cooperate to protect the animal population and the country's livestock farming. The Veterinary Services assured that their goal is to protect livestock farming and prevent the spread of the disease, without the need to take extreme measures such as confiscating animals.