Sigma Live

Karagiannis Clarifies Foot-and-Mouth Disease - "There are Asymptomatic Cows"

Published February 24, 2026, 12:12
Karagiannis Clarifies Foot-and-Mouth Disease - "There are Asymptomatic Cows"

Concern is growing in Cyprus due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and its potential economic impact on livestock farms. Dr. Petros Karagiannis explained that transmission to humans is rare and does not pose a serious risk, but the virus is airborne and requires strict measures to confine animals to stables. The delay in detecting the disease is due to the incubation period of the virus, which can last up to 12 days, and the fact that animals are contagious before showing symptoms. Foot-and-mouth disease causes blisters, foot lesions, loss of appetite, and weight loss, affecting milk production and reproductive capacity. Dr. Karagiannis emphasized that the virus is not transmitted through meat or milk, but can be transmitted asymptomatically, requiring strict monitoring. The origin of the disease appears to be linked to the import of infected animals or feed from Turkey, and disinfection and feed control are required.