Athienou, Cyprus. Multiple dead sheep were seen discarded in an open skip in Athienou’s industrial zone, reportedly following recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) culling measures. The carcasses were left exposed for an extended period, prompting concerns over public health, environmental contamination and compliance with disposal rules.
Reports of delays and exposed carcasses
The carcasses were reported to have remained in a waste container for an extended period, with concerns raised that there were no clear biosecurity measures in place. It is understood that in some cases carcasses remain at designated points for days, while there have also been reports of animals found outside the skips.
Farmers’ association describes intended collection process
The head of the cattle farmers’ association in Athienou, Giorgos Parpas, told the Cyprus Mail that culled animals are currently collected from designated spraying points and placed into skips, which are covered and left at specific collection sites to be picked up by an incinerator.
Parpas acknowledged the issue, describing it as an existing problem, and said that under normal procedures animals should remain in the skip for no more than one to two hours, between 7 and 9 in the morning, before being collected for incineration. He also said he was concerned that in some instances carcasses may be left from the previous day.
Authorities and guidelines
Local authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident. The question raised is whether proper protocols were followed, as EU and national guidelines typically require culled animals to be disposed of through controlled rendering or burial under strict sanitary conditions to prevent disease spread.
Veterinary services outline regulated burial-site process
Veterinary services spokesperson Sotiria Georgiadou clarified processes surrounding the handling of animal carcasses following recent culling measures, describing a tightly regulated process designed to protect public health and the environment. Speaking to the Cyprus Mail in March, Georgiadou said burial sites are selected through a multi-agency assessment involving the land registry, agricultural authorities, the department of water development, the environment department, veterinary services and the agriculture department.
Scientific note on potential spread via birds
According to scientific sources, free-living birds, especially starlings, sea gulls and house-sparrows, can be contaminated with FMD viruses, and the virus can then be spread over long distances during migration periods in spring and autumn.
FMD outbreak in Cyprus
Cyprus is dealing with a significant outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, first detected in February 2026 in the Larnaca district. The outbreak has since spread across parts of Larnaca and Nicosia, with clusters of cases reported in and around Athienou.
What measures do you think should be taken to ensure culled animal carcasses are removed promptly and securely?
