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Authorities have imposed strict emergency measures around a cattle farm in Livadia, Larnaca, after laboratory tests confirmed foot-and-mouth disease in five animals, triggering a 21-day quarantine across the surrounding livestock area.
The decision followed a lengthy coordination meeting in Nicosia involving Veterinary Services, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other stakeholders. Veterinary Services Director Christodoulos Pipis said the response plan was immediately activated, with all staff leave cancelled to contain the outbreak.
Mass culling and three-kilometer restriction zone
Officials will cull all 260 animals at the affected unit and ensure proper carcass disposal, in line with the national emergency action plan. At the same time, authorities are investigating how the virus entered the farm.
A strict restriction zone with a three-kilometer radius has been established around the unit, accompanied by a wider surveillance area. Within the core zone:
- Movement of animals and animal products is completely banned
- Access to livestock farms requires prior Veterinary Services approval
- Nearby farms are undergoing intensive sampling and laboratory testing
Mr. Pipis said the goal is to lift restrictions after 21 days if no further cases are detected and to restore normal farm operations as quickly as possible.
No risk to public health
Veterinary officials stressed repeatedly that foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to humans. Consumers can safely continue eating Cyprus-produced meat, dairy products, cheese, eggs, and other livestock goods.
The virus was confirmed through prescribed laboratory methods after samples were taken from the five infected animals. Authorities say there is currently no evidence about the source of the infection, which remains under investigation.
Vaccination not currently planned
While vaccination remains an available tool, Mr. Pipis explained it is typically considered only if the virus spreads or shows high aggressiveness. Because the incident is confined to a single unit, vaccination is not being pursued at this stage.
He noted that vaccination is generally used to reduce symptom severity in exposed animal populations rather than as a purely preventive measure.
Compensation and EU coordination
The affected farmer will be compensated under provisions of the Emergency Action Plan. Payments are expected within one to two months, pending Finance Ministry approval. Budget provisions already exist to cover such incidents.
Cyprus authorities are also coordinating with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and will provide further updates once the virus strain and serotype are fully identified. Officials noted the issue has cross-community relevance given earlier vaccine deliveries intended for Turkish Cypriot areas.
Police roadblocks and vehicle disinfection
On the ground, containment measures have intensified. Police have blocked key access roads to the livestock zone, including:
- the main entrance from Livadia
- the Kellia access point
- 25th March Street in Oroklini
Temporary checkpoints are in place, patrols have been increased, and Veterinary Services crews are disinfecting the tires of vehicles leaving the restricted area.
Authorities say inspections and biosecurity controls will continue throughout the quarantine period as they work to prevent any further spread of the disease.
