Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has activated a special national action plan and established a 24-hour crisis management centre to coordinate efforts to contain a foot-and-mouth outbreak affecting about 14,000 animals, the agriculture ministry said.
National coordination measures
The decision was taken at a broad meeting at JRCC’s Zenon centre attended by the agriculture, justice and defence ministers, along with all involved services. Authorities said services remain on alert and are following protocols to manage the situation, aiming to protect livestock and economic stability.
Outbreak locations and animals affected
The agriculture ministry said incidents have been reported at 11 farms in the areas of Troulli, Oroklini, Livadia and Aradippou. The outbreak has affected about 14,000 cows, pigs, sheep and goats.
Containment actions and controls
Culling and burying of infected animals has begun, the ministry said. Disinfection systems have been installed and strict biosafety measures are being implemented. Transport is being controlled, and the Veterinary Service is acting in line with national and European protocols to manage the outbreak.
EU support and crisis centre staffing
Experts from the EU are arriving in Cyprus to provide technical support, including on vaccinations. The coordinating team at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre includes officers from the veterinary services, police, fire brigade, national guard, civil defence, game fund, public works, health services, land registry, Larnaca district government, and the water development, agriculture, environment, forestry and geological survey departments.
Earlier preventive measures and government assurances
The ministry said the Republic of Cyprus had implemented preventive measures in December after incidents were reported in the north, and those measures remain in force. The state has said it will support those affected, particularly farmers.
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