Cyprus’ Veterinary Services said Tuesday the foot‑and‑mouth outbreak is showing signs of easing, with vaccination efforts beginning to take effect, as authorities outlined the latest steps in managing the animal disease.
A new case was detected in a small unit in Dromolaxia, but officials said it does not affect overall infection rates. The services expect additional cases but believe they will remain limited.
To date, foot‑and‑mouth disease has been confirmed in 105 livestock units in Nicosia and Larnaca — 89 involving sheep and goats, 13 cattle units and three pig farms.
A separate assessment is underway for suspected cases in a unit of a rare Cypriot sheep breed in Larnaca, which includes 350 animals and 33 cows. Authorities are examining possible exemptions under the law, based on documentation of purebred status. The final decision, which will weigh both the risk of spread and the value of preserving the animals, is expected within the week.
As part of disease‑control measures, nearly 39,000 sheep and goats, 2,500 cattle and 16,500 pigs have been culled. A third phase of pig culling is ongoing, while sampling continues across all units in affected areas.
The second phase of vaccination has surpassed 75% in cattle and 62% in sheep and goats, officials said.