Nationwide animal vaccination begins in Cyprus following foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

A large-scale vaccination campaign for livestock began in Cyprus on Friday to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Vaccinations are being carried out simultaneously in all districts of the island.

According to Cyprus Veterinary Services, vaccination is also actively continuing in the 10-kilometer restricted zone in the agricultural area of Larnaca, where cases were previously identified.

Priority is given to cattle, sheep, and goats located near pig farms. The vaccination then extends to other holdings. Private veterinarians are also participating in the effort.

Vaccines for pigs have already been ordered from Germany and are expected once delivery procedures are completed.

According to veterinary services, no new cases have been detected so far; however, specialists do not rule out additional infections due to the high concentration of farms in the Larnaca area. Authorities are working to contain the disease within this specific zone.

In total, the campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 85,000 cattle and about 470,000 sheep and goats across Cyprus.

Meanwhile, representatives of agricultural organizations intend to discuss the situation with the country's president. They are demanding stricter control from the European Union over the use of funds allocated for combating animal diseases in the north of the island.