Meeting Underway on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cyprus

A meeting is currently underway in Nicosia with relevant authorities, including the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, following the confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in a cattle farm in Larnaca. Veterinary Services immediately informed the farmer and all involved parties, activating the disease management protocol, which involves the culling of animals from the affected farm. Simultaneously, the area surrounding the farm has been quarantined within a three-kilometer radius to limit the spread of the disease. Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle and pigs, causing fever, blisters in the mouth, feet, and body, as well as significant economic losses for farmers. Early diagnosis and effective management are critical for controlling the spread and protecting livestock. The Minister of Agriculture and Veterinary Services are working closely together to address the situation and implement all necessary prevention and control measures. The goal is to protect animal health, ensure the quality of animal products, and avoid economic impacts on the sector. The situation is being closely monitored, and continuous updates will be provided on the actions taken to address the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.