The spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus is accelerating, with 7 new cases confirmed on Thursday, bringing the total number of affected livestock units to 92, according to Veterinary Services.
The latest developments follow the first confirmed case in a pig farm in Palaiometocho, involving around 4,000 animals marked for culling. The case has triggered heightened concern due to its location outside previously designated infected zones, effectively creating a third cluster in western Nicosia.
Senior veterinary officer Sotiria Georgiadou said the situation is expected to worsen, warning that the number of infected units will likely reach triple digits. She stressed, however, that the overall loss of livestock remains below 10%, currently estimated at around 2.6% for cattle and 6.4% for sheep and goats.
Since the outbreak began, approximately 37,000 animals have been culled across affected areas.
Concerns over possible illegal movements
Authorities suspect that unauthorised movement of animals or contaminated equipment may have contributed to the spread of the virus beyond initial zones.
Georgiadou indicated that the emergence of cases in areas such as Athienou, Dali and now Palaiometocho points to possible breaches. She underlined that strict movement restrictions remain in place and warned that human activity, including the transfer of machinery, clothing and footwear, continues to pose a major risk.
Investigations are ongoing to determine how the virus reached the pig unit in Palaiometocho, which was not expected to be affected at this stage.
New cases concentrated in Nicosia and Larnaca
The seven new cases include one cattle unit and two sheep and goat units in the Dromolaxia-Meneou area, one sheep and goat unit in Athienou, and three sheep and goat units in Geri.
To date, 11 infected cattle units have been recorded, 9 in Larnaca and two in Nicosia. Sheep and goat units account for the majority of cases, reaching 80 in total.
Palaiometocho case raises alarm
The infected pig farm is located near the former Nicosia airport within the buffer zone and in proximity to other livestock units. Culling and burial operations are underway, while extensive sampling is being carried out in the surrounding area.
The case has intensified concerns within the agricultural sector, particularly given the scale of the unit and its location outside established containment zones.
Delays and response measures
Responding to complaints about delays in setting up disinfection points at the Palaiometocho site, Georgiadou said equipment had been deployed immediately after the case was confirmed. A technical fault in a disinfection unit required overnight repairs before it became operational on Thursday morning.
She said all necessary measures, including police checkpoints and biosecurity controls, had been implemented under emergency protocols.
Possible tightening of restrictions
Authorities are now considering stricter measures to contain the outbreak, with decisions expected in the coming days.
Cyprus remains under an EU-imposed restricted status until at least early May, effectively halting exports of fresh pork products. Processed goods, such as halloumi, are exempt.
Officials said it remains unclear whether the latest developments will affect the European Commission’s stance, although a review is scheduled for next month.