Foot and mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus

The Cyprus Veterinary Services reported on Tuesday that the number of livestock units infected with foot and mouth disease has reached 75. Of these, 15 units are located in the Nicosia district and 60 in the Larnaca district, all within designated restricted zones. Recent confirmed cases include four sheep and goat units in Geri and one cattle unit in Dromolaxia-Meneou. The second phase of the vaccination program has achieved coverage of 71% for cattle, 50.5% for sheep and goats, and 84% for pig units. Authorities are facing obstacles in vaccinating livestock in the village of Pergamos, citing interference by the Turkish military, an issue now being addressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations. Meanwhile, conflicting reports have emerged regarding access to facilities in the Pyla buffer zone, with Turkish Cypriot sources framing the inspection of local farms as a sovereignty dispute. Containment measures, including ongoing surveillance and testing, remain in effect across the affected regions.