Foot-and-mouth disease cases exceed 100 as outbreak persists in Cyprus

As of April 19, 2026, the number of farms infected with foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus has reached 101, including 13 cattle farms, 86 sheep and goat farms, and two pig farms in the Paliometocho area. Veterinarians are conducting intensive testing and tracking in the Nicosia and Larnaca districts to contain the virus. Vaccination efforts have reached 73.5% for cattle, 58.5% for sheep and goats, and 94.73% for pig farms within defined 3km and 10km exclusion zones. Authorities have ordered the mass culling of animals at infected sites, sparking protests from farmers demanding an end to this policy. Veterinary officials suggest the virus may have spread to new areas due to human factors or contaminated vehicles used for livestock transport. Despite the crisis, officials claim that national meat and milk supplies remain manageable. Farmers' representatives argue that stricter biosecurity measures are essential to prevent further economic losses.