Cyprus expands foot-and-mouth disease containment measures

Veterinary authorities in Cyprus have confirmed a new case of foot-and-mouth disease at a livestock unit of approximately 500 cattle in Dromolaxia, Larnaca district. This development has necessitated the expansion of the 10-kilometer surveillance zone. To date, the total number of culled animals has reached approximately 20,500. During a recent teleconference with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health, Cypriot officials inquired about the possibility of selective culling, but were informed that European law requires the total culling of affected herds with no exceptions. Preventive vaccination programs are being extended to all provinces to contain the virus within Larnaca. Additionally, the Hunting and Fauna Service has restricted dog training in 15 specific locations across the country to prevent the spread of the virus. New government decrees now impose fines of up to 5,000 euros for illegal movement of livestock. Authorities maintain that the current progression of cases is within the expected epidemiological range.