Demetriou Warns of 'Serious Catastrophe' as Foot-and-Mouth Vaccination Begins in Cyprus

Disy leader Annita Demetriou met with livestock farmers in Aradippou on Wednesday, stating that the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak represents a "serious catastrophe" threatening livestock farming, exports, and economic stability. Authorities have launched accelerated emergency measures and an island-wide vaccination campaign.

The government initiated vaccinations starting with a 10-kilometer zone around confirmed cases in the Larnaca district, later expanding the campaign across the island. To combat the spread of infection, culling has been ordered for livestock in 11 infected farming units, affecting approximately 13,000 animals.

The Veterinary Services are working with the European Commission and international experts; a shipment of about 529,000 vaccine doses is expected from Europe in the coming days. An initial batch of 10,000 doses has already arrived from Northern Cyprus, and Turkish Cypriots have announced the dispatch of another 20,000 doses to Larnaca.

Demetriou demanded immediate and fair compensation, the suspension of loan and tax obligations for affected farmers, and a comprehensive recovery plan. She also called for a full and transparent investigation into protocol compliance. Officials urged farmers to strengthen biosecurity and restrict third-party access to livestock facilities.

Due to the outbreak, Cyprus has temporarily lost its FMD-free status; exports of live animals and unprocessed products have been suspended.