Newsroom
The Department of Forests has announced the temporary closure of public mouflon protection and observation facilities at Platania and Stavros tis Psokas as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting wildlife.
In a statement, the Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment said that the facilities, which are normally open to visitors, will remain closed to the public in order to safeguard the health of the animals.
Authorities said the decision was taken to help limit the potential spread of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals.
“The measure is being implemented to protect the health of the animals and restrict the spread of foot-and-mouth disease,” the department said.
Officials added that adherence to preventive measures is essential for protecting wildlife populations and maintaining Cyprus’ biodiversity.
The mouflon, Cyprus’ endemic wild sheep, is primarily found in the Paphos Forest and is considered one of the island’s most important protected species.
The Department of Forests did not specify how long the closures will remain in place, noting only that the measure is precautionary.
