Foot-and-mouth disease containment and rare breed status in Cyprus

Cyprus Veterinary Services reported negative lab results for foot-and-mouth disease samples in Nicosia and Larnaca, as culling continues across infected zones. To date, 39,810 sheep and goats, 2,247 cattle, and 24,483 pigs have been culled. Authorities are debating the fate of rare breeds, such as fat-tailed sheep and red cattle, which tested positive for the virus in Larnaca. Breeder Kostas Mouskos, owner of a farm with 500 fat-tailed sheep, is advocating for an exemption from culling to preserve genetic diversity. Stavros Malas, head of the scientific committee, noted that vaccination has slowed the disease's spread, though it changes Cyprus's status from a disease-free country to one requiring long-term vaccination. Consequently, raw pork exports are currently suspended, while halloumi exports remain unaffected. The European Union has extended restrictive measures until June 15 to manage the outbreak, which has reached 108 infected units.