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Farms hit by foot-and-mouth disease will have to kill all animals on site, even those that appear healthy, under strict European Union rules aimed at stopping the outbreak before it spreads further, an EU commissioner said Friday during a visit to Cyprus.
Speaking after meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides and government officials, EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliver Varhelyi delivered a blunt message: there are no shortcuts when it comes to containing the highly contagious disease.
“The only way out of this crisis quickly is full implementation of the measures,” he said, stressing that EU rules apply equally across all member states.
What this means in simple terms
If foot-and-mouth disease is confirmed on a farm, every animal must be culled, not just those showing symptoms. The meat cannot enter the food chain and must be destroyed.
The rule, officials say, may sound harsh but is designed to stop the virus from jumping to nearby farms, something that can devastate an entire livestock sector within weeks.
Foot-and-mouth disease spreads extremely easily through contact, equipment, vehicles, clothing, and even the air over short distances. One infected farm can quickly trigger dozens more.
A heavy blow for farmers
For farmers already struggling with rising costs, the announcement has deepened anxiety across rural communities. Entire herds built over generations could disappear overnight if infection is detected.
Authorities say compensation mechanisms exist, but producers worry payments may not fully cover their losses or the time needed to rebuild farms.
The commissioner warned that delaying or bending the rules would only make things worse, leading to wider animal losses and bigger financial damage nationwide.
Public urged to stay away
Officials also appealed to the public to avoid affected areas altogether. People who are not directly involved in farming are being asked not to visit livestock areas, as the virus can unknowingly be carried on shoes, tires or clothing.
The government says strict monitoring and biosecurity measures are now critical to prevent Cyprus’ outbreak from escalating into a broader agricultural crisis.
