rki.news
NICOSIA, April 19 — Foot-and-mouth disease has spread to 101 farms across Cyprus, according to the veterinary services department, as authorities intensify containment efforts.
New infections have been confirmed at a sheep and goat farm in Dromolaxia-Meneou near Larnaca in southern Cyprus, as well as at cattle and pig farms in the Nicosia district in central Cyprus, the Cyprus Mail reported.
So far, the outbreak has affected 13 cattle farms, 86 sheep and goat farms, and two pig farms. Veterinary teams are continuing culling operations along with vaccination and containment measures in southeastern regions and the Nicosia district.
The outbreak began on Feb. 20 with a case at a dairy farm in Larnaca and has since spread nationwide. Earlier this week, authorities confirmed the first infection in pigs at a farm west of Nicosia, prompting a protection zone and strict movement restrictions.
Under European Union regulations, all livestock at infected farms must be culled to prevent further spread. Authorities have already culled more than 30,000 animals as part of emergency response measures.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts intensify to contain the disease and reduce economic and agricultural losses across the island.