The foot‑and‑mouth outbreak in Cyprus has so far affected 5.5 percent of the country’s livestock — excluding pigs — the head of the government’s special scientific committee said last night.
Speaking on state radio, Stavros Malas said the losses remain “manageable” at this stage, provided authorities succeed in containing the spread of the disease.
He added that the newly formed scientific committee has received its terms of reference and will hold its first meeting on Saturday.
Malas said immediate priority will be given to protecting farms with animals of high genetic value, which will serve as the core for rebuilding herds once the outbreak is brought under control.
The outbreak has placed significant pressure on Cyprus’ livestock sector, prompting emergency containment measures, movement restrictions and intensified surveillance.
Authorities are working to prevent further spread, as foot‑and‑mouth disease can cause severe economic disruption and long‑term damage to animal populations.