Cyprus Times

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cyprus: Vaccination Campaign and EU Control Concerns

Published March 7, 2026, 14:07
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Cyprus: Vaccination Campaign and EU Control Concerns

A pan-Cypriot vaccination campaign is underway to combat foot-and-mouth disease, with simultaneous vaccinations taking place across all provinces and within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected area in Larnaca. Priority is given to vaccinating cattle and sheep near pig farms, while vaccines for pigs are expected from Germany. No new cases have been reported so far, but concerns remain about a potential increase due to the high concentration of livestock farms in the Larnaca region. The goal is to contain the disease within this specific area, with the vaccination campaign aiming to cover approximately 85,000 cattle and 470,000 sheep. Simultaneously, organized livestock farmers will meet with the President of the Republic on Sunday to discuss the need for effective EU control over the use of funds allocated to combat zoonotic diseases in the occupied territories. They will request the creation of a coordination mechanism involving the Veterinary Services of the Republic of Cyprus and the relevant authorities in the occupied territories. The livestock farmers are raising questions about how European funds are being used to eradicate zoonotic diseases in the occupied territories, calling for transparency and accountability. They point out that the EU has been funding programs since 2021, but there is no clear picture of the measures taken and their effectiveness. The meeting will include representatives from cattle, sheep, and pig farmers, cheesemakers, the Pan-Cypriot Veterinary Association, the Veterinary Services of Cyprus, and other agricultural organizations, highlighting the importance of cooperation in tackling foot-and-mouth disease and protecting livestock farming in Cyprus.