Larnaca, Cyprus. Authorities have placed large swathes of the Larnaca district under strict quarantine after veterinary services confirmed Oroklini as the epicentre of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, with linked infections in nearby Livadia.
Epicentre confirmed and protocols activated
Veterinary services said laboratory results confirmed that two large sheep and goat units in Oroklini are at the centre of the outbreak, prompting the immediate activation of containment protocols.
Clinical findings indicate the virus had been present in the Oroklini units for at least two weeks before the first confirmed case was detected at a cattle farm in Livadia.
Culling and seizure of products
All livestock at the affected Livadia unit, a total of 300 animals, are being culled and buried under prescribed sanitary procedures.
Products from the farm, including milk and meat, have been seized.
Authorities said any additional positive case detected within the three-kilometre protection zone would automatically trigger the culling of all animals at that premises.
Quarantine, movement restrictions, and enforcement
Twenty-three livestock premises within the protection zone have been placed under strict quarantine, with daily sampling and inspections under way.
The movement of animals and animal products has been banned without special authorisation, while roads leading to the livestock areas in Livadia and Oroklini have been closed with police roadblocks in place.
Vehicles leaving the restricted zone are being disinfected, and police patrols have been increased.
How do the restrictions affect movement of animals and animal products in your area?