The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has confirmed foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and sheep in Lesvos, Greece.
According to the WOAH, 288 animals at a mixed farm (38 cattle and 250 sheep) are currently susceptible, with 9 confirmed cases. Confirmation of FMD occurred on 16 March. Control measures include stamping out, zoning and movement control.
This disease had previously been eradicated in the region, with the last occurrence confirmed on 18 August 1994, says the WOAH.
FMD in Cyprus: New strain
Recent weeks also saw foot and mouth disease (FMD) spread in Cyprus, where the authorities have been intensely working to contain the outbreak in the Larnaca district’s livestock since its detection in late February.
The World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed on 7 March that 33 farms in Larnaca have been infected with a new strain SAT 1. All cases were confirmed in the Lanaca district. In total at 40 farms in Cyprus, FMD has been found between Feb 19 and March 15. Only 6 of them were cattle farms. Majority of Cyprus outbreaks were in sheep, goat or sheep/goat farms, all close to the border with Turkish Cyprus. Turkey has more serotypes circulating, where FMD is rife. The current outbreaks are unrelated to outbreaks in 2025 in Central Europe were serotype O, while the current set is serotype SAT 1.
Prior to this outbreak, Cyprus had maintained FMD-free status since 2008, with an outbreak in 2007 (serotype O).