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Paphos Livestock Farmers on Foot-and-Mouth Disease: "We Need to Be Vigilant"

Published February 25, 2026, 12:13
Paphos Livestock Farmers on Foot-and-Mouth Disease: "We Need to Be Vigilant"

Livestock farmers in Paphos are on high alert following the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in other parts of Cyprus. An automatic spraying system will be put into operation tomorrow, Thursday, in the livestock units of Timi and Anarita, as a preventive measure. Farmers express fears of devastating consequences for livestock farming if the virus reaches Paphos, while the Deputy Mayor of Timi assures that no cases have been recorded in the area, but stresses the need for vigilance. Farmers have two options to protect their animals: installing a sterilization system or creating a sterilization tank. A farmer, a refugee from Argaki Morphou, emphasized that livestock farming has a future, but foot-and-mouth disease could destroy it completely. Other farmers have already taken measures, closing side roads to their farms. The Public Health Officer of the Municipality of Ierokipia informed the farmers about biosecurity measures and the nature of the virus, which is highly contagious and can be transmitted through clothing, vehicles and equipment. The virus affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, but does not pose an immediate risk to human health. The situation is being closely monitored and farmers have been sensitized to the need to take preventive measures. Early response and prevention of the spread of the virus are crucial to maintaining livestock farming in Paphos.