Cyprus Culls Livestock to Contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Cyprus has initiated the culling of 13,000 sheep, goats and cattle in an effort to control an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) affecting farms in the southern part of the island, officials announced on Monday [1], [2].

Outbreak Contained to Limited Zone

Senior veterinary officer Sotiria Georgiadou stated that the outbreak, currently impacting 11 livestock units in the Larnaca district, remains geographically contained with no evidence of spreading beyond the established surveillance zone [1], [2]. All newly confirmed cases have been identified within the original 10-kilometer surveillance zone implemented after the initial detection.

Strict Movement Restrictions Implemented

To curb the spread of the disease, authorities have imposed a nationwide ban on the movement of animals and animal feed without official permission. Transfers to slaughterhouses also require special approval [1].

Investigation and International Assistance

A police investigation is underway to determine if there was any negligence in promptly notifying authorities about the outbreak, and to investigate potential illegal animal movements or breaches of biosecurity protocols [1]. Veterinary experts from abroad are expected to arrive on Tuesday, and the government has secured the immediate dispatch of vaccines from the European Union [1]. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou has also requested financial support from EU emergency reserves.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: A Harmless Threat to Humans

Officials have confirmed that foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a risk to public health [1]. However, the disease can affect a range of wild and farmed animals, including pigs, cows, and sheep, causing canker sores and ulcers, and potentially being fatal for young animals.

Recent European Outbreaks

Europe has experienced a resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease since last year, marking the first occurrence in the EU since 2011. Cases were previously reported near Berlin in January 2025, as well as in Hungary and Slovakia [1]. Germany has since been declared free of the disease.