Cyprus addresses ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
As of March 17, 2026, Cyprus reports 42 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease, with a new case identified in Dromolaxia. The Ministry of Agriculture has implemented a 3-to-10 kilometer exclusion zone around affected farms in Geri and Dali, where ongoing monitoring, sampling, and vaccinations are taking place. Vaccination rates have reached 82.67% for cattle and 45.74% for small ruminants nationwide, with completion expected by the end of March. The government announced a nine-point support package worth 28 million euros to aid affected livestock producers. A special scientific committee led by Stavros Malas has been established to redesign the livestock sector and address long-term structural issues. Meanwhile, the bicommunal technical committee on health continues to coordinate, with Greek Cypriot officials urging uniform application of EU protocols across the island. Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou confirmed that initial compensation payments of 50,000 euros will begin next week. President Christodoulides is scheduled to discuss the crisis and further EU support with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.