Politis

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: 4,000 Culls Expected by Tomorrow - Veterinary Services Respond to Challenges

Published March 3, 2026, 12:19
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: 4,000 Culls Expected by Tomorrow - Veterinary Services Respond to Challenges

The situation with foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus is now considered stable, with no new cases reported on Tuesday. The virus remains within the initial infected area. Veterinary Services continue vaccinating goats and sheep, with private veterinarians procuring an additional 26,000 doses of vaccine. Simultaneously, they are assessing the market value of animals to be culled and destroying feed and milk in infected farms, with the aim of compensating farmers. Approximately 1,300 goats and sheep have already been culled in Aradippou and Livadia, and another 2,700 are expected to be culled on Tuesday and Wednesday in the same areas. A few more culls are expected in Oroklini. In total, around 20,000 animals are expected to be culled, with 22 infected farms. Veterinary Services emphasize that culling is mandatory under animal health legislation, once infection is confirmed by laboratory results. Responding to challenges regarding test results, the services assure that their laboratory is accredited and regularly inspected. The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary measures are being taken to limit the spread of the virus and protect animal production.