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EU Commissioner Varhelyi: 'Cyprus is Not Alone' in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Published February 26, 2026, 17:12
EU Commissioner Varhelyi: 'Cyprus is Not Alone' in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

European Commissioner for Health of Animals, Oliver Varhelyi, assured that Cyprus is not alone in tackling the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, offering the support of the European Commission to the island's farmers and animals. Mr. Varhelyi visited the 'Zenon' Coordination Center in Larnaca and met with the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, to discuss measures to combat the disease. The Commissioner stressed the importance of adhering to EU rules for controlling foot-and-mouth disease, which he described as the safest in the world. He added that the European Commission will financially assist farmers affected by the outbreak and contribute to vaccinations. By Saturday, 529,000 vaccines are expected to arrive in Cyprus from the European Union, while 10,000 vaccines have already been received from the occupied territories. The Minister of Agriculture thanked the Commissioner for his support and assured that they are preparing for the universal vaccination of animals. The visit of Mr. Varhelyi and the immediate response of the EU to the foot-and-mouth disease crisis are a significant indication of solidarity and support towards Cyprus.