Newsroom
Authorities say the foot-and-mouth outbreak that has rattled Cyprus’ livestock sector may have been quietly spreading for weeks before anyone sounded the alarm, and now police are investigating whether warning signs were ignored.
Veterinary officials revealed the virus likely entered two farms in Oroklini about two weeks before samples were finally taken on Feb. 21. By then, the disease had already been confirmed at another farm in Livadia, after a farmer reported suspicious symptoms on Feb. 19.
Lab tests confirmed the infection within a day. Soon after, two Oroklini farms admitted their animals had shown symptoms for several days, symptoms their private vet had attributed to a different illness.
Officials say that delay matters.
According to the veterinary services, evidence suggests the virus was present but not reported, prompting authorities to notify police to examine possible concealment or failure to report disease, a legal requirement for livestock owners.
Spread already detected nearby
Within a three-kilometer surveillance zone, six additional nearby farms have now tested positive. Officials stress that this is not unexpected once a virus gains a foothold, but it underscores how quickly outbreaks can escalate.
To contain the spread, disinfection checkpoints have been set up across livestock areas in the Larnaca district, and veterinary staff have been pulled from leave and placed on full alert. Milk from infected farms is being destroyed, and burial of infected animals has begun under supervision.
Movement of animals and feed nationwide is banned without official permission. Transfers to slaughterhouses require special approval.
EU experts called in
Authorities say they’re coordinating with the European Commission, which has been asked to send veterinary specialists to assist and advise on possible vaccination strategies.
Meanwhile, farmers warn that if the disease spreads further, the economic impact could be severe, threatening jobs and pushing heavily indebted producers into financial trouble.
Officials are trying to reassure the public: the disease affects only cloven-hoofed animals, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, and cannot be transmitted to humans, even through food.
Compensation, but with conditions
The government says farmers who followed biosecurity rules will receive full compensation at current market prices. Those who failed to report symptoms promptly could face scrutiny.
Veterinary teams continue testing neighboring farms while authorities trace possible sources of the virus, including animal feed supplies. Lists of farms inside restriction zones have also been shared with the Cyprus Cheesemakers Association to control milk sourcing.
Officials are urging strict daily safety steps: disinfect vehicles and visitors; fence farms; track all entries; and report any suspicious symptoms immediately, from fever and blisters in cattle to lameness or sudden deaths in young animals.
