Foot and mouth disease outbreaks confirmed in Yeri and Dali
Foot and mouth disease has been detected in livestock units in the Yeri and Dali areas of the Nicosia district, marking an expansion beyond the previously affected Larnaca district. Veterinary Services spokesperson Sotiria Grigoriadou confirmed that the affected zones are under a police-enforced lockdown within 3 and 10-kilometer radii. Current vaccination progress stands at 82.67% for cattle and 45.74% for sheep and goats nationwide, with an objective to reach full coverage by the end of March. Veterinary Association President Demetris Epaminondas stated the expansion was a predicted scenario and is conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine if the virus was already present in these areas. The Pan-Cyprian Organization of Grain Producers has requested that the state consider closing checkpoints as a drastic containment measure. Meanwhile, separate reports indicate a foot and mouth case in Pelopi, Lesbos, where strict movement prohibitions for livestock have been implemented. The Cypriot government has promised financial and psychological support for affected farmers, a move welcomed by the Pan-Cyprian Association of Pig Farmers.