Authorities have placed 23 livestock premises under strict quarantine and will begin culling 260 cattle tomorrow as they move to contain a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak at a farm in Livadia, Larnaca.
The measures were finalised at a broad emergency meeting of all relevant authorities that concluded earlier today. European and national protocols have been fully activated, Veterinary Services said.
The 23 quarantined premises lie within a 3km protection zone around the affected farm, where the movement of animals and products has been temporarily restricted. Daily sampling and inspections will be carried out within the zone to prevent the disease from spreading.
To bolster field operations, staff leave has been cancelled and veterinarians are being transferred from other districts to Larnaca to support tracing and on-site checks.
Authorities moved to reassure consumers on two points: foot-and-mouth disease does not transmit to humans, and dairy products remain safe. Due to strict controls and the pasteurisation process, milk, halloumi and other dairy products can continue to be consumed without any risk, they said.
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