Newsroom
Authorities have slammed the brakes on animal movement across the island after foot-and-mouth disease turned up in a handful of farms, sparking urgent action and growing nerves among farmers.
Officials say the cases were found in the Larnaca district, specifically in the communities of Livadia and Oroklini. In response, veterinary authorities ordered a sweeping ban on transporting animals, animal feed, or even letting livestock graze outside their premises unless special permission is granted. Moving animals to slaughterhouses is also off-limits for now.
In plain terms: farms are on lockdown.
Nearby farming areas are scrambling to protect themselves. Local officials say they’re setting up disinfectant stations, gathering barriers to block access roads if needed, and helping farmers with water supplies and lighting so they can monitor their animals around the clock.
The Agriculture Department has also sent guidance to regional authorities in other districts to stay ahead of any possible spread. Farmers and agricultural groups say containing the outbreak quickly is critical, warning that if it gets out of hand, it could hammer the economy, threaten jobs, and leave livestock producers struggling to repay large business loans.
Some communities aren’t taking chances; carnival celebrations and public events near farms have already been called off as a precaution.
Help is on the way from abroad. Experts from the European Commission are traveling to assist local authorities, while earlier this month vaccines were sent to the north of the island after the disease appeared there, reportedly linked to cases connected with Turkey.
Officials stress there’s no risk to people and no reason to avoid meat or dairy products. Still, for farmers watching the situation closely, the next few days could decide whether this stays a contained scare or turns into a full-blown agricultural crisis.
