Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is spreading in Cyprus, where authorities are working to contain an outbreak in the Larnaca district’s livestock since its detection in late February.
Another case of FMD has been confirmed at a cattle unit in Dromolaxia, with the latest cases found in 8 sheep and goat farms in Livadia and another location nearby Dromolaxia. All cases are in the Lanarca district.
Culled animals
The World Organisation for Animal Health confirmed on 7 March that 33 farms in Lanarca have been affected with a new strain SAT 1. In terms of numbers (cattle, sheep, and goats): 427 cases; 24,345 susceptible animals; 13,024 culled.
The next steps include Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides holding talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss current protocols and livestock culling. The European Commission said that it will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and assess further needs in order to ensure an effective and proportionate disease control response, adding that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to limit outbreaks and curb disease spread when applied in conjunction with the other control measures.
Foot and mouth disease in February
The European Commission stated that it delivered 1,029,000 doses of Foot-and-mouth disease serotype SAT 1 vaccine to the Republic of Cyprus on 13 and 28 February 2026 (500,000 and 529,000 doses, respectively) to support vaccination activities.
There are continued restrictions across the nation with the movement of animals and increased biosecurity measures across farming areas. Producers of livestock are urged to continue to exercise the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow strict biosecurity and immediately report cases of the disease.
The European Commission has said that the Republic of Cyprus government has taken a number of measures since FMD was confirmed, including the imposition of quarantine, restrictions on animal movements, and the application of disinfection protocols and biosecurity measures.
Prior to this outbreak, Cyprus had maintained FMD-free status since 2008, with the most recent outbreak in 2007 (serotype O).