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Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spreads Rapidly in Cyprus: 5,000 Animals Affected

Published February 22, 2026, 20:59
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spreads Rapidly in Cyprus: 5,000 Animals Affected

Foot-and-mouth disease is spreading rapidly in Cyprus, having already affected 6 livestock farms and 5,000 animals in Oroklini and Livadia. Authorities have taken drastic measures to limit the spread, placing all animals across the country under quarantine. Farmers express strong concern and criticize the delay in tackling the disease, emphasizing the economic impacts. There are reports of infected animals being transported without proper safety measures, as well as the import of animal feed from the occupied territories, which is characterized as "criminal". Municipalities have begun spraying and have closed some roads to livestock farms, while local authorities are following the instructions of the Veterinary Services. The situation is considered extremely critical for national interests, and the cost of tackling the disease will be covered by the Ministry of Agriculture.