Filenews 21 February 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The entire province of Larnaca is now entering a state of alert, as the spread of foot-and-mouth disease is taking on dimensions. After the initial detection of a case in Livadia, the laboratory tests that followed revealed the hard truth: Oroklini is the zero point of the spread, with two large sheep and goat farms being the source of the infection so far.
According to cross-checked information, the "backdoor" for the entry of the virus seems to have been hay balls carried from the occupied areas. The results of the samples taken yesterday show a nightmarish picture:
The clinical picture of the animals testifies that the virus has been in the units of Oroklini for at least two weeks before the incident was detected yesterday in Livadia.
According to information, the breeders in Oroklini were reportedly aware of the condition of their animals, however, they did not report it, allowing the virus to establish itself and be transmitted. On the instructions of the Veterinary Services and in full cooperation with the Police, the whole of Larnaca is now placed in a strict quarantine regime.
Daily checks and a complete ban on the movement of animals and products
The relevant protocol is immediately activated for the entire livestock of the two infected units in Oroklini.
Due to the criticality, the state is proceeding with the immediate mobilization of private veterinarians, while all the licenses of the staff of the Veterinary Services throughout Cyprus have been revoked.
The goal is now to lock the virus around the areas of Oroklini and Livadia, while an effort is expected to be made for the route of the infected hay for immediate tracing purposes.
Despite the alarm, the competent services reassure the public that foot-and-mouth disease is not transmitted to humans. Pasteurized milk and products such as halloumi remain completely safe, as the virus is completely neutralized during heat treatment.
Larnaca is now racing against time, with the Police and Veterinary Services trying to contain a crisis that started from the irresponsibility of some and the illegal import of feed.
Images from the blocked zone in Livadia - Roads closed
Measures to deal with an incident of foot-and-mouth disease in Livadia are being taken by the Veterinary Services in the area of Livadia, in Larnaca, as a result, among other things, of roads leading to the livestock area.
In an announcement by the Communication Branch of the Police, it is stated that "in the context of the health measures taken by the Veterinary Services, in the Livestock Area of Livadia, in the province of Larnaca, to deal with an incident of foot-and-mouth disease in a livestock unit".
Specifically, as noted, the roads leading to the main entrance of a livestock area from Livadia, the entrance of a livestock area from Kellia and 25th March Street in Oroklini have been cut off.
It is added that the police have placed makeshift barricades in parts of roads in the area that has been blocked.
"A crew of veterinary services is disinfecting the tyres of vehicles leaving the blocked area, while there is an increased presence of police patrols, whose members are patrolling the area," it is stated.
As part of the health measures taken by the Veterinary Services, in the Livestock Area of Livadia, in the province of Larnaca, to deal with an incident of foot-and-mouth disease in a livestock unit, there are cuts on the following roads:
- Main entrance to the livestock area from Livadia
- Entrance of a livestock area from Kellia
- 25th March Street, in Oroklini
The Police recommends caution to those who will be travelling on the road network, who are required to follow the traffic code and comply with traffic signs, to avoid road collisions.
