The Veterinary Services remain in a state of red alert, as the spread of foot-and-mouth disease continues unabated in the province of Larnaca. In the last 24 hours, the list of affected units has grown, this time focusing on the Dromolaxia area.
According to the latest official data, three new positive units were identified, all within the boundaries of Dromolaxia. Specifically, it is a cow breeding unit and two sheep and goat units.
With these new additions, the total number of positive outbreaks throughout Cyprus now stands at 38. The geographical distribution of the virus remains in the province of Larnaca, affecting livestock zones in Aradippou, Livadia, Kelia, Troulloi and Oroklini.
The situation in Dromolaxia is considered particularly serious, as the slaughter operation in a large unit of 487 cattle has been underway since yesterday. In total, four crews are working feverishly, having already completed the procedures in 10 units, implementing the strict animal killing protocols to prevent further spread.
In parallel with the killings, veterinary officials continue intensive sampling in neighboring farms and surveillance zones, in order to map the route of the virus and detect new cases in time.
It is noted that the burial of the animals was chosen instead of incineration to minimize the risk of dispersion during transport, under the strict technical specifications of the Departments of Environment and Geological Survey for the protection of the aquifer.
The Veterinary Services have been on alert since December 2025, when the first information about cases in occupied Lapathos appeared.
Special disinfection mats were placed at the crossing points, which were withdrawn in January 2026 only after 130 farms along the Green Line tested negative.
However, after the confirmation of cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the free areas on February 20, 2026, a vaccination plan with 589,000 doses is being implemented.
