Update on foot-and-mouth disease management in Cyprus

Cyprus is currently managing an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease that has affected over thirty livestock units, primarily in the Livadia, Dromolaxia, and Aradippou regions. Authorities have activated emergency protocols in accordance with EU Regulation 2020/687, which mandates the culling of animals in infected sites to prevent further spread. While the Ministry of Agriculture temporarily suspended culling operations amid discussions with farmers' organizations, these measures remain an EU-wide legal requirement. Over 7,000 animals have been culled, with additional thousands scheduled for destruction. Veterinary services are conducting mass vaccinations, having distributed approximately 135,000 doses to cover herds within the 3km and 10km zones. Farmers have expressed concerns regarding burial practices, reporting potential environmental risks and calling for better transparency. The state is proceeding with the assessment of livestock, feed, and milk value to provide financial compensation to affected producers. Meanwhile, movement restrictions and bans on activities like hunting dog training remain in force to contain the virus.