Foot-and-mouth cases rise to 50 farms in Cyprus

A new instance of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was detected on Thursday, bringing the total number of affected farming units to 50.

According to the veterinary services, the latest affected farming unit is located in Dromolaxia, Larnaca district.

The new case of FMD was tracked in a goat-and-sheep farm with 85 animals.

Authorities said enhanced testing would begin there, followed by culling protocols.

Tracing and sampling would continue, especially in the 3km and 10km designated risk zones in Larnaca and Nicosia districts.

The spread of the disease “continues to exist and is considered likely based on the epidemiological data”.

At the same time, testing in Paphos district revealed no cases there, giving the district the all-clear for now.

Authorities meanwhile began the vaccination of pigs, with priority given to farming establishments inside the infected areas.

As for the vaccination of sheep, goats and cattle, the second round is underway – with vaccination coverage for cattle at 52 per cent and for sheep and goats at 26.5 per cent.

To date, thousands of animals have been slaughtered as part of measures to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Following outbreaks of FMD in December 2025 in the north of Cyprus, on February 20 this year the viral disease was confirmed in the Republic of Cyprus on a cattle farm near Larnaca.