Nicosia, Cyprus. Authorities confirmed three new cases of foot-and-mouth disease at farms in the Nicosia district on Thursday, bringing the total number of infected units across Cyprus to around 120. The latest infections were detected in Mammari, Paliometocho and Kokkinotrimithia within the existing restricted zone in western Nicosia.
Latest detections
Officials said the affected units are within a three-kilometre radius of known infected premises and involve a limited number of animals.
Spread of the outbreak
The outbreak, first detected in February, has affected sheep, goats, cattle and pigs across multiple districts. About 71,000 animals have been culled so far as part of containment measures.
Official figures
According to official data, 43,000 sheep and goats, 3,000 cattle and more than 24,000 pigs have been destroyed. Authorities said 103 of the 120 infected units recorded nationwide involve sheep and goat farms, with most located in Larnaca, followed by Nicosia and smaller clusters in Limassol.
Further investigations
Veterinary Services said the second round of epidemiological investigations in Limassol, Paphos and the government-controlled areas of Famagusta is expected to be completed by the end of the month to determine whether the disease has spread.
Government response
President Nikos Christodoulides has convened an emergency cabinet meeting on the situation and said the government remains in continuous contact with livestock farmers. “Whatever needs to be done will be done,” he said, adding that the outbreak is being closely monitored across districts.
Impact estimates
Officials estimate that infected and culled animals represent around 11 per cent of the country’s adult sheep and goat population, 3.5 per cent of cattle and nearly 8 per cent of pigs.