Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spreads Across Farms in Cyprus

(MENAFN) According to reports, the number of farms affected by a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus has climbed to 101, as authorities continue efforts to contain its spread.

New infections have been identified at several locations, including a sheep and goat farm in the southern municipality of Dromolaxia-Meneou near Larnaca, as well as cattle and pig farms in the central Nicosia district.

So far, the outbreak has impacted a wide range of livestock operations, including 13 cattle farms, 86 sheep and goat farms, and two pig farms. In response, officials have been carrying out culling measures and vaccination campaigns, particularly in the southeastern region and around Nicosia.

The outbreak was first detected on Feb. 20 at a dairy farm in the Larnaca area and has since expanded across multiple parts of the country. Earlier in the week, the first case involving pigs was confirmed near the capital, leading authorities to impose movement restrictions and establish a protection zone in nearby areas.

Under European Union regulations, livestock at infected farms must be culled, and according to reports, more than 30,000 animals have already been destroyed as part of containment efforts.

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