Filenews 24 February 2026 - by Marilena Panayi
The spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the livestock areas of Cyprus has caused concern in the rural world and concern in society. Despite the particular public debate and the drastic measures implemented, scientific and international sources are clear that the disease does not pose a risk to public health, but causes serious problems for animal health and the economy
According to the Veterinary Services of Cyprus, which issued official instructions and prohibited the movement of animals and feed throughout the island, "in the event of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the movement of animals and products without the approval of the Veterinary Services is prohibited".
What the World Organization for Animal Health says
WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health): explicitly states that foot-and-mouth disease "is not easily contagious to humans" and "does not pose a risk to public health".
The international organization also notes that only a few, mild cases of human infection have historically been recorded (mainly from direct contact with infected animals), without the need for hospitalization, i.e. it is practically not treated as a public health problem.
So why are animals killed?
Again according to WOAH, the killing of animals is imperative in order to stop the epidemic and protect the rest of the farms, as the virus can persist in the animal population for long periods of time and reappear if not drastically controlled.
Its effects on animals are very serious
The disease causes high fever (often the first symptom), Blisters (canker sores) in the mouth, tongue and gums, Blisters on the feet, and/or cloves, Intense salivation, Lameness due to pain in the limbs, Anorexia and inability to feed.
The bubbles burst and turn into painful wounds, as a result of which the animals cannot eat or move normally.
Even when the animals survive, milk production can be dramatically reduced (up to 80% temporarily), growth in young animals is delayed, reproductive capacity can be affected, and in some cases miscarriages are observed.
According to WOAH, a complete return to the previous production state may take months, or never be achieved.
In adult animals mortality is usually low, however, in young animals it can be high since the virus can cause myocarditis (heart damage) in young animals, leading to sudden death
However, even after recovery, some animals remain carriers of the virus for months, there is a risk of new transmission, permanent loss of physical condition is observed, In some cases, chronic damage remains on the soles of the animals.
