Nationwide Animal-Movement Ban As Cyprus Imposes Quarantine To Contain Foot-And-Mouth Outbreak
A major animal health emergency is unfolding in Cyprus after veterinary laboratories confirmed multiple cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in livestock units near Livadia and Voroklini in the Larnaca district. In response, authorities have imposed one of the strictest biosecurity lockdowns the island has seen in decades, restricting animal movement across the entire country.
The emergency measures highlight just how quickly highly contagious livestock diseases can disrupt not only animal health systems but also food security, trade, and veterinary public health operations.
Island-Wide Biosecurity Response
Following confirmation of the outbreak, Cypriot authorities issued emergency decrees placing the island under quarantine beginning February 22. Under the order:
Movement of sheep, goats, and cattle is prohibited for at least 21 days
Slaughterhouses must obtain special veterinary permits to operate
Entry to infected farms is strictly restricted
Police have established control zones around affected regions
Authorities have also reportedly opened investigations into farmers who may have delayed reporting clinical signs — a reminder of the critical role early disease reporting plays in controlling FMD spread.
The response is considered the most aggressive animal health containment action taken in Cyprus since the major 2001 Mediterranean FMD outbreak.
Why Foot-and-Mouth Disease Is So Concerning
Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most economically devastating viral diseases affecting cloven-hoofed animals. The virus spreads rapidly through:
Direct animal-to-animal contact
Aerosol transmission over short distances
Contaminated equipment, clothing, or vehicles
For veterinarians, FMD is a classic example of how subclinical infection can fuel large-scale outbreaks before obvious clinical signs are recognized.
If the virus spreads beyond the current Larnaca containment zone, officials warn that:
Large-scale culling could be required
Meat export markets could be disrupted
Rural agricultural economies could face severe financial losses
Impact on Veterinary Practice and Animal Movement
While the quarantine does not directly restrict human travel, it significantly impacts veterinary operations, livestock transport, and agricultural supply chains.
Veterinary checkpoints have been authorized to:
Close rural access roads
Disinfect vehicles entering agricultural zones
Require written clearance for movement of animals, animal products, or feed
This is particularly important for professionals involved in herd health management, livestock consulting, or international animal transport.
Economic and Food Supply Concerns
Cyprus is currently facing multiple agricultural pressures, including drought and rising feed costs. Veterinary and agricultural leaders fear prolonged movement restrictions could:
Increase production costs
Disrupt meat supply chains
Require mass culling if containment fails
Although the timing of the quarantine overlaps with the Orthodox fasting season — typically a period of reduced meat demand — prolonged restrictions could still create future supply shortages.
Lessons for Veterinary Public Health
For veterinarians, this outbreak reinforces several key principles of infectious disease control:
Rapid reporting of suspicious lesions or lameness in livestock
Strict biosecurity protocols in mixed animal environments
Controlled movement of personnel and equipment between farms
Emphasis on client education regarding disease recognition
Biosecurity practices commonly used during avian influenza outbreaks — such as dedicated farm footwear, vehicle disinfection, and restricted farm access — are being recommended for anyone working in affected regions.
Global Mobility and Agricultural Trade Implications
The outbreak also highlights how animal health crises can affect international commerce. Shipments containing animal products, leather goods, or feed materials may face delays at ports due to enhanced biosecurity screening.
Organizations with staff working in rural agricultural zones are being advised to review duty-of-care policies and travel protocols during the quarantine period.
Looking Ahead
Officials expect restrictions to remain in place until at least mid-March, pending risk assessments showing reduced viral spread.
Veterinary authorities emphasize that early detection and strict movement controls remain the most effective tools for containing FMD outbreaks — protecting both animal populations and the agricultural economy.
