Larnaca, Cyprus. Cyprus veterinary authorities have confirmed a case of foot-and-mouth disease at a cow-breeding unit in Livadia in the Larnaca district. The area has been placed under lockdown and all 300 animals at the farm are to be culled.
Detection and containment measures
Veterinary authorities detected the highly contagious livestock disease on Friday and imposed restrictions after laboratory confirmation. A three-kilometre radius around the affected unit has been sealed off, with the movement of animals and animal products prohibited without official authorisation.
The sealed zone includes bans on transporting livestock, milk and meat products unless cleared by veterinary services. Veterinary teams remain on site overseeing the operation and tracing potential contacts.
Official response and previous prevention efforts
A veterinary services official described the incident as serious but manageable and said prescribed protocols were activated immediately to prevent further spread.
The confirmation marks an escalation, as no infections had previously been confirmed in the Republic despite outbreaks in recent months in the north. Until now, authorities had focused on preventive surveillance, biosecurity controls and disinfection measures along the Green Line and at crossing points.
Public assurance
Veterinary services said foot-and-mouth disease poses no risk to human health.
How do you think the livestock movement restrictions will affect local farmers in the sealed zone?
