Politis

All You Need to Know About Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Is it Transmissible to Humans?

Published February 23, 2026, 12:12
All You Need to Know About Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Is it Transmissible to Humans?

The Ministry of Agriculture has issued a statement clarifying information about foot-and-mouth disease, answering key questions from citizens and livestock farmers. The disease does not affect human health and is not transmitted through food consumption. It only affects cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs). The symptoms vary depending on the species of animal. In cattle, they include fever, reduced milk production, stomatitis with salivation, lameness, and blisters. In sheep and goats, the symptoms are usually mild, while in pigs, fever, lameness, and blisters on the tongue and muzzle appear. Livestock farmers and the public are urged to immediately notify the competent Veterinary Services in case of suspected cases, in accordance with Law 109/2001. If the disease is confirmed, the movement of animals and products is prohibited without the approval of the Veterinary Services. Contact numbers for the local Provincial Veterinary Offices of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos are provided for more information and clarification.