Newsroom
Foot-and-mouth disease has now spread beyond Larnaca, raising fresh concerns for farmers and veterinary authorities as suspected cases emerge in the Nicosia district.
According to unofficial information, infections have been detected in livestock units in the areas of Idalion (Dali) and Geri, marking the first signs that the outbreak is moving inland. Until yesterday, authorities had confirmed 38 infected units, though officials say new cases have since been identified, with details expected to be clarified in an upcoming update.
An official briefing is anticipated from Sotiria Georgiadou, senior officer of the veterinary services, who is expected to provide the latest figures and outline the next steps in managing the situation.
The spread comes just days after the visit of EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Oliver Varhelyi, who stressed that strict implementation of protective measures and full compliance with European Union rules are essential to containing the outbreak quickly.
Speaking during his visit, the commissioner warned that rapid action is key to preventing significant animal losses and avoiding serious financial damage to farmers and the wider agricultural sector.
Authorities continue to monitor farms closely, with containment measures already in place in affected areas. Officials are urging livestock owners to follow biosecurity guidelines strictly as efforts intensify to stop the disease from spreading further.
