Foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus: EU experts arrive – thousands of animals are culled
Foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus: EU experts arrive – thousands of animals are culled
The authorities in Cyprus are facing a serious animal health crisis: After the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), around 13,000 cattle, sheep and goats are to be killed in the coming days to contain the spread of the virus. At the same time, experts from the European Commission will travel to assess the situation and coordinate the measures.
Current situation in Cyprus
The outbreak was confirmed in mid-February 2026. On 21 February, the south of Cyprus officially lost its status as an FMD-free area. Several cases have been reported in the Larnaca area, particularly around Livadia, Oroklini, Troulli and Aradippou.
The veterinary authorities reacted with:
- Culling affected livestock
- Disinfection measures at border crossings
- Sampling and epidemiological surveillance
- Information and protective measures for farmers
- Ordering vaccines (first delivery: around 500,000 doses)
The EU experts are to analyse the situation on the ground and support further decisions.
Why animals are killed
Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most contagious animal diseases in the world. To prevent explosive spread, the culling of infected and endangered stocks is an international standard.
The virus spreads through:
- direct contact between animals
- contaminated food, clothing or vehicles aerial
- transmission over long distances (wind)
Even the smallest amounts of virus can trigger new chains of infection.
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Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease in cloven-hoofed animals such as:
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Goats
- Pigs Wild animals such as deer
Typical symptoms
- Blisters and ulcers in the mouth
- area Lameness due to lesions on the hooves
- Fever and salivation
- Decrease in milk yield
- Weight loss
The disease rarely leads directly to the death of adult animals, but causes severe production losses and animal suffering.
Historical outbreaks and spread
The disease has been known for centuries. Significant outbreaks:
- 2001 – United Kingdom: over 6 million animals culled; economic damage > €8
- billion2011 – South Korea: mass cullings, sharp increases in meat prices
- Regular cases in parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East
Europe is largely considered to be free of foot-and-mouth disease, which is why individual outbreaks trigger immediate drastic measures.
Currently, cases have also been reported in parts of Central Europe, including Slovakia and Hungary, as well as in wild animals in Germany.
Economic damage and consequences
The economic impact can be significant:
Agriculture & production
- Loss of livestock
- Milk and meat production collapses
- Breeding programs are destroyed
Trade & export
- bans on meat and dairy products
- Strict certification requirements
- possible Price fluctuations on markets
For Cyprus, halloumi exports are particularly important. Authorities emphasize that the product is currently not affected and that important markets continue to be supplied.
Regional impacts
- , existential fears for farmers,
- costs for compensation,
- biosecurity measures
the total financial damage has not yet been quantified.
Is foot-and-mouth disease dangerous for humans?
In short, no.
- Infections in humans are extremely rare.
- When they occur, they are usually mild (flu-like symptoms, blisters).
- Meat and milk are safe if properly controlled.
The main danger concerns animal husbandry and the economy, not public health.
Containment measures The
following strategies are used internationally to control an outbreak:
- Exclusion zones and transport bans Biosecurity
- measures on farms
- Disinfection of vehicles and clothing
- Monitoring of animal movements Targeted
- vaccination campaigns
- Culling of affected herds
Outlook
With around 13,000 animals affected out of a total population of about half a million farm animals, the situation is currently considered serious, but controllable. The decisive factor will be whether the measures take effect quickly and further infections can be prevented.
The situation remains sensitive for farmers, the export industry and consumers. The coming weeks will show whether Cyprus can contain the disease quickly or face longer-term economic consequences.
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Author: MFRadio.de - Editorial Team
Source: CY News / REUTERS
