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Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cyprus: 2,000 Animals Culled

Published February 28, 2026, 13:58
Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cyprus: 2,000 Animals Culled

In Cyprus, the culling of sheep and goats affected by foot-and-mouth disease continues, with approximately 2,000 animals already culled in the Oroklini area. A total of around 13,000 animals are expected to be culled, a dynamic number due to births and natural deaths. The excavation of burial pits is also underway with the assistance of the Forestry Department and the National Guard. A shipment of 529,000 vaccine doses arrived in Cyprus from the European Commission to combat the disease. 33,900 vaccine doses for cattle have already been delivered, and private veterinarians are completing vaccinations within a 10-kilometer zone. The vaccination of sheep and goats will begin subsequently. The Veterinary Services have developed an operational plan for the distribution of vaccines, which will be implemented immediately. The outbreak has caused concern in the industry as it threatens production and the local economy. The spokesperson for the Veterinary Services, Sotiria Georgiadou, emphasized the importance of the measures being taken to limit the spread of the disease and protect animal and human health. The situation is being closely monitored by the competent authorities, who are ready to take additional measures if necessary.