A gigantic effort is underway by the government and the competent services of the Republic of Cyprus, which have been put in a state of increased readiness to deal with the crisis caused by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease four months ago.
After the confirmation of the first case on February 20, 2026, which was found to have entered the free areas from the occupied territories, the state mechanism immediately mobilized to limit the high contagiousness of the disease and the risk of its further spread.
So far, the disease has affected 121 units (14 cattle, 104 sheep and goats and 3 pig farms) mainly in the provinces of Larnaca and Nicosia, leading to the killing of a total of 79,960 animals, of which 52,459 sheep and goats, 3,018 cattle and 24,483 pigs. The numbers of infected animals reached 80,400 and correspond to 11.5% of the total number of adult sheep and goats (4.5% of the units), 3.5% of the total number of cattle (3.5% of the units) and about 7.8% of the total number of pigs (5.4% of the units).
From this week, a new epidemiological surveillance program begins that will cover all units throughout Cyprus. Laboratory surveillance begins 30 days after the completion of the second vaccination and the implementation of biosecurity measures. This decision was taken since the last case has been recorded on June 10, 2026. The aim is to complete the investigation next October, provided of course that no new cases are detected.
Despite the heavy financial and psychological costs borne by the primary sector, the majority of livestock farmers demonstrate a high sense of responsibility, understanding the need to implement strict European regulations to ensure public health and livestock. The government recognizes that the contribution of the organized agricultural movement, but also of the official bodies representing livestock farmers, is important in the management of the crisis.
Managing the current veterinary crisis is an extremely expensive undertaking. According to official data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the total cost for compensation so far amounts to a not insignificant amount of €29,819,702.
The x-ray of the costs so far, taking into account the cost of the vaccines that will be purchased within the year is:
• Animal compensation: €20,000,000
• Vaccine purchase cost for 2026: €3,200,000
• Staff overtime of all services: €3,000,000
• Vaccination application cost for 2026: €920,000
• Transport and destruction of corpses: €700,000
• Consumables: €500,000
• Milk Destruction: €402,429
• Disinfection: €400,000
• Feed destruction: €397.273
• Cost of staff exclusive recruitment for the disease: €300,000
Based on the current data and provided that no new cases will be recorded, the competent services estimate that the final cost until the complete normalization of the epidemiological situation will range between €35 and 40 million.
However, the authorities must be prepared for any eventuality. In the event that the worst possible scenario occurs, i.e. an uncontrolled spread and finding of many cases nationwide, the cost is estimated to double, skyrocketing the total expenditure between €70 and 80 million.
The interception operation in cooperation with the National Guard and the Police
In the face of this threat, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Veterinary Services, in close cooperation with the National Guard, the Police and the British Bases, have set up an extensive safety net.
1. From the initial 120 points created, it was decided to staff 30 critical points nationwide for the disinfection of passing vehicles. The National Guard has already trained its officers and is undertaking the operation of 20 of these points with the assistance of the Police, while 15 points are covered by private security companies. At the same time, express procedures are underway for the supply of 10 new sprayers and complete kits of protection equipment.
2. Vaccination coverage is progressing at an intensive pace with the aim of completing it nationwide by September. 500,000 doses of the "Aftovaxpur" preparation have already been received and as many of "Aftopor" are expected by the end of the month. By June 15, samples have been taken from 877 farms nationwide (217 cattle farms, 650 sheep and goat farms and 10 pig farms), while the epidemiological investigation program is planned to be completed in early October. The completion rate of the first dose of vaccination nationwide is 92% for cattle, 80% for sheep and goats and 41% for pigs and with the second dose nationwide 84% of cattle, 78% of sheep and goats and 41% of pigs have been vaccinated.
3. Since April 28, 2026, private veterinarians have been carrying out extremely strict biosecurity checks at the entry and exit gates of slaughterhouses, checking transport permits, drivers' uniforms and complete disinfection of vehicles.
Compensation for milk, feed and livestock
In terms of compensations, a total of €11,800,638.49 has been granted.
The government has already paid compensation to 64 beneficiaries for the loss of livestock. However, the procedure for some files has been delayed due to the detection of discrepancies between the official marking systems and the real animals, as a result of which the Ministry has requested the legal assistance of the Attorney General for 23 cases.
The situation with the payment of the compensations so far is as follows.
Advances of €429,480 were paid to the epizootic management authorities and until the determination of final compensation prices by the Committees drawn up for this purpose in 40 units.
Milk from 62 positive farms was confiscated and destroyed. So far, €402,429.55 has been paid in 50 units.
46 beneficiaries received compensation for concentrated feed with the amount of €397,273.19 and for coarse feed 36 beneficiaries received a total of €440,811.95.
Compensation for loss of livestock was received by 77 livestock farmers with the total amount amounting to €10,130,643.80. Of the 121 farms, 2 were illegal and 2 concern animals of local breed (fat and red cows in Dromolaxia).
In addition, the state's severity towards offenders is relentless, having already issued 33 administrative fines amounting to €112,540 for violations of the prescribed measures and specifically for violations of animal and feed movements, animal grazing and manure movement and referred 6 serious cases to the Police for further investigation.
Despite the adversities, the inevitable killings and the bureaucratic problems, the vast majority of the livestock world recognizes that the measures are a one-way street. The producers support the effort, knowing that strict compliance with European regulations is the only safety valve to secure European co-financing which covers 30% of the eligible costs and to regenerate the sector the next day.
