Cattle vaccinations completed in 3-kilometer zone as foot-and-mouth response ramps up

Authorities have completed the vaccination of cattle within a three-kilometer radius of infected farms as Cyprus moves swiftly to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, the Agriculture Ministry said Friday.

Vaccinations are now underway in the wider 10-kilometer zone, with 23,500 doses already distributed to private veterinarians. The campaign began the evening of Feb. 25 and is being carried out based on recommendations from European Union experts.

At the same time, the government is moving to secure vaccines for pigs, while laboratory testing continues across affected areas. All results so far have come back negative, officials said. Findings were also confirmed by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease, backing up results from Cyprus’ national veterinary laboratory.

Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou briefed EU Health and Animal Welfare Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Larnaca on the measures taken since the first case was detected in the government-controlled areas.

Várhelyi expressed satisfaction with how authorities handled the situation and pledged the European Commission’s support, both in securing additional vaccines and in protecting Cyprus’ animal-product exports.

Panayiotou said an additional 529,000 vaccine doses are expected to arrive by Saturday.

Várhelyi acknowledged the pressure on livestock farmers, saying the EU would provide vaccines and financial compensation where needed.

“We want to help the livestock farmers. They must be devastated to see this disease appear,” he said, adding that support would continue until the crisis is resolved.

He also sought to reassure consumers at home and abroad.

“There should be no doubt that the meat and halloumi people buy from stores are completely safe,” he said, noting that regional containment measures ensure that only the affected area faces restrictions, not the entire country.

A meeting between EU experts and organized groups of cattle, sheep and goat farmers is scheduled for later Friday to explain the vaccination program and protective measures.

What you need to know about foot-and-mouth disease

With questions circulating since the first case was reported, the Agriculture Ministry issued guidance to clear up confusion, especially around food safety.

Is meat and milk safe after vaccination?

Yes. The ministry says meat and milk from vaccinated animals are safe to consume. Vaccination does not make products dangerous to humans.

Can humans catch foot-and-mouth disease?

No. The disease is not transmitted to humans, not through contact and not through food consumption. While serious for livestock, it does not pose a public health risk through meat or dairy products.

Why wasn’t Cyprus vaccinating earlier?

Officials say preventive vaccination is not carried out before a disease appears in a member state. Until February, Cyprus was considered disease-free, in line with EU rules.

What are the symptoms in animals?

Cattle: Fever, drop in milk production, excessive salivation, blisters in the mouth, on the udder and limbs, and lameness.
Sheep and goats: Usually milder symptoms, fever, lameness, deaths among young animals; mouth lesions may not be visible.
Pigs: Fever, lameness, and blisters on the tongue, snout and limbs.

What should farmers do if they suspect a case?

Under Cyprus’ Animal Health Law, anyone responsible for animals must immediately notify the Veterinary Services, a district veterinary officer, a private veterinarian or even the nearest police station if they suspect a notifiable disease or see unusual illness or deaths.

If an outbreak is confirmed, the movement of animals and related products is prohibited without approval from veterinary services.

Livestock breeders and members of the public can contact their district veterinary offices:

Nicosia: 22 805241
Limassol: 25 819512
Larnaca: 24 821275
Famagusta: 24 824555
Paphos: 26 821260

For now, officials say the message is simple: vaccination is underway; testing remains negative beyond the initial cases; and food on supermarket shelves, including Cyprus’ signature halloumi, is safe to eat.