FROM ANIMAL MOVEMENTS AND FROM JANUARY THE TRANSMISSION OF FOOT AND MOUTH - THE 16 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN EXPERTS AND WHAT THE VETERINARY SERVICES IMPLEMENTED - Filenews 24/3 by Angelos Nikolaou
Following the visit of the EU Expert Group (EUVET) at the end of February, the Republic of Cyprus has activated a multi-level screening mechanism, focusing on vaccination, tracing and strict biosecurity to contain foot-and-mouth disease.
The experts' report reveals the magnitude of the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (type SAT1), but also the actions of the Veterinary Services to implement strict containment measures.
However, the research as recorded by the Veterinary Services shows two realities: First, the spread of the virus is mainly due to animal movements that took place before February 19 (the day the virus was detected) and second, these movements based on the traces date back to the beginning of January.
Experts sound the alarm about possible political or economic interference, especially due to the pre-election period, emphasizing that decisions must be purely technical.
The number of infected units rose to 45 and are located in the provinces of Larnaca and Nicosia.
In the infected units, the process of killing the animals is expected to be completed by tomorrow. So far, 22,600 sheep and goats and 1,500 cattle have been killed.
Commission recommendations and level of implementation
1. In view of the imminent threat of a foot-and-mouth disease epidemic that could affect the whole country, it is technically recommended that specific teams be set up. What happened:
>> A crisis center was created with representatives from all the services involved (16 Services, about 600 people).
>> There is a crisis team at the headquarters of the Veterinary Services.
>> Peripheral crisis centres are located in each district based on the foot-and-mouth disease control plan.
>> Experts from the EU have been invited and arrived in March for further guidance.
>> The epidemiological advisory group of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (YGAAP) has been established.
>> The daily communication is undertaken by the Senior Veterinary Officer, Sotiria Georgiadou.
2. It is particularly important that the above-mentioned groups or individuals are able to operate under optimal working conditions and are not influenced or disturbed by political or economic interests. What happened: The Veterinary Services have received all the necessary approvals to meet the financial requirements. The political connotation of the crisis cannot be fully controlled as we are going through an election period, which is an imponderable factor.
3. Effective disease control depends largely on well-functioning epidemiological tracing. Therefore, a team of epidemiological experts is recommended. What happened: Epidemiological investigations and animal tracing are implemented by the Veterinary Services every time a positive case is detected. Animal tracing includes animal movements since the beginning of January and concern animals that were moved before the first case was detected. Based on the data so far, it seems that the transmission is due to animal movements in the period before February 19.
4. Vaccination plan. What happened: The vaccination program has started since 25/02/26 and includes vaccination in phases according to the establishment of EUVET. 98% of the animal population of farmed cattle and 72% of the animal population of sheep and goats have been completed. The first instalment will be completed in March. The second dose has already started.
5. Ensure vaccines for pigs as soon as possible and vaccinate them according to the risk situation. What happened: The order of the vaccines for the pigs has been arranged and they are expected by the end of the month/beginning of April.
6. Maximization of biosecurity measures for all pig farms in the country, especially those located in prohibited areas. Preventive slaughter of pigs in facilities in restricted zones will significantly mitigate the risk of more outbreaks in the area and beyond. What happened Pig farmers have been informed by experts and biosecurity measures have been increased. A subsidy plan for population thinning is progressing.
7. Effective implementation and monitoring of immobility measures at national level. The only exception will be animals intended for slaughter. What happened: Movement has been banned since February 20, while relevant Decrees have also been issued. Checkpoints/surveillance points have been placed, in addition to disinfection, in livestock zones and areas throughout Cyprus.
8. Positive specimens should be sent to the EURL (EU Reference Laboratory) for foot-and-mouth disease for confirmatory testing and characterisation of the virus. What happened: It has been implemented for cattle. The first positive bovine sample was sent to EURL and it was documented that it is the foot-and-mouth disease virus with SAT1 homotype. Also, positive samples of sheep and goats are collected to be sent to the EURL.
9. Given the need to ensure an effective capacity to manage animal diseases, it is recommended to establish a platform for the two-way exchange of technical information, including basic epidemiological data, between all relevant animal health stakeholders involved. What happened: Enrichment of the database of the Veterinary Services on the basis of expert suggestions as a first immediate measure. Cheesemakers are informed daily about positive cases so that they do not receive from the specific units.
10. Infected herds should be killed immediately. If this is not possible for reasons of capacity, then animals should be vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease (emergency suppressive vaccination). What happened: The vaccination decision covers all areas.
11. Milk from contaminated farms must be destroyed. What happened: The milk is placed in tankers or special containers. A special agent is added that lowers the pH of the milk <6 (acidification) through which the virus is inactivated. This takes 48 hours. After the 48 hours have passed, the milk is poured into the disposal pits of the facilities. Livestock farmers are 100% compensated.
12. An appropriate disinfection programme should be implemented for vehicles leaving the restricted zones (zones 3 and 10km). Control of the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles transporting animals as well as milk collection vehicles, particularly in restricted zones, should be strengthened. What happened: Disinfection points have been placed outside each vehicle crossing point in the livestock zones and areas and where cases have been detected. These points are staffed by various services.
13. All farms within the restricted zones should be checked for the absence of foot-and-mouth disease within the next two weeks. What happened: This report has been completed for the initial outbreak of cases in the province of Larnaca. Samples have been taken and continue to be taken for active monitoring and tracing of cases both in the province of Larnaca and in Nicosia, as well as in the other districts based on the statistical sample. In Nicosia, Limassol and Famagusta, there was a delay due to the significant reactions. The transition of the Veterinary Services with the presence of the Police has already been arranged and significant progress is expected in the coming days.
14. Awareness of foot-and-mouth disease among farmers, veterinarians and other key figures in the livestock industry is recommended. What happened: From December 15, 2025, information material was given to all those involved, seminars were held, sms were sent, etc. To avoid gatherings, call centers were created in all provinces.
15. It is recommended to strengthen controls on possible unauthorised movements of live animals and animal products through the Green Line. What happened: The police authorities have strengthened patrols and increased checks along the green line and beyond, with the aim of detecting violations more effectively.
16. Biosecurity plans should be drawn up for zoos that could be indirectly affected by foot-and-mouth disease. This would affect public visits, for example. What happened: Zoo and theme park owners have been informed about the implementation of increased biosecurity measures.
