Newsroom
As wildfires continue to ravage parts of mountainous Limassol, the damage isn’t limited to property and nature; dozens of farm animals have also perished in the flames.
So far, around 50 animals, mainly sheep and goats, have been found charred, according to senior veterinary officer Apostolos Mazeris, who says the toll could rise as crews continue to assess the damage.
“There are many livestock farms in the area, especially with sheep and goats, with numbers reaching around 15,000,” Mazeris told the Cyprus News Agency. Teams from the Veterinary Services are on the ground trying to get a clearer picture of the damage.
The fire swept through key farming areas including Pano Kivides, Agios Amvrosios, Agios Therapon, and the Lofou region, home to 18 livestock farms and several cattle units, Mazeris said. The blazes also affected beekeeping operations, though the full extent of the damage to hives and honey production remains unclear.
Companion animals were hit too, with local veterinary clinics reportedly receiving a number of injured pets, according to the Pancyprian Veterinary Association.
When dead animals are found, veterinary crews are tasked with removing them quickly from farms to prevent further contamination, in line with public health laws. If animals are found injured, their condition is assessed on-site. “If the injuries are severe, animals may be humanely euthanized or taken for slaughter to prevent unnecessary suffering,” Mazeris explained.
He emphasized that farm owners must take proactive fire safety steps, including clearing dry grass and debris around their premises, to protect their animals and property in case of future fires.
