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Authorities in Cyprus have begun culling livestock in areas affected by foot-and-mouth disease, a measure aimed at containing the outbreak that has already hit hundreds of animals.
The Veterinary Services confirmed that 263 cattle in Livadia have been culled, with similar procedures set to begin in Oroklini, where positive cases were detected. Sotiria Georgiadou, spokesperson for the Veterinary Services, said in a briefing at the "ZENON" Crisis Management Center that, so far, no new cases have been found, offering cautious optimism as testing continues.
Georgiadou said vaccination will now be rolled out within three kilometers of the surveillance zone, with private veterinarians called in to assist. “We received 10,000 vaccines today from the occupied territories, and another 529 doses are expected from the EU,” she said. A detailed vaccination plan will be drawn up with vets familiar with the livestock units, she added.
Authorities also confirmed that other preventive measures, including the destruction of contaminated feed and hay, are ongoing. The culling is expected to affect approximately 13,000 animals across the affected zones. Units will then undergo thorough disinfection, cleaning and inspection for one to two months before animals can return.
Georgiadou stressed that halloumi exports remain secure despite the outbreak, while discussions are ongoing regarding other products.
“This virus has multiple serotypes, and the one detected is STA 1, the same as in the occupied territories,” she said, explaining why swift vaccination and containment measures are crucial.
The Veterinary Services are following a long-established emergency action plan, based on legislation used in previous animal disease outbreaks. Officials said compensation and support packages for farmers are being prepared, with coordination between private veterinarians and livestock owners underway.
“This is a difficult but necessary step to protect the wider livestock population and the industry as a whole,” Georgiadou said.
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