Outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease reaches pig farms in Cyprus

Veterinary services in Cyprus have reported a total of 92 livestock units testing positive for foot-and-mouth disease, including the first confirmed case in a pig farm in Paliometocho. The infected pig facility, which houses approximately 4,000 animals, is located outside previously established infected zones, causing significant concern among officials and farmers. Seven new cases were confirmed on Thursday across various locations, including Dromolaxia-Meneou, Geri, and Athienou. Senior Veterinary Officer Sotiria Georgiadou stated that authorities are investigating how the virus reached the Paliometocho unit, as it was not expected in that area. While 37,000 animals have been culled since the start of the crisis, the ministry projects the number of infected units will reach triple digits. Petros Kailas, head of the Cyprus Pig Farmers Association, criticized the authorities for communication failures and delays in sealing off infected sites. He reported that the pig farmer in Paliometocho was initially notified of the infection via his son rather than official channels. Discussions regarding compensation for lost income and animal replacement are currently underway.