Cyprus has initiated the slaughter of approximately 13,000 animals, including sheep, goats, and cattle, as part of a public health emergency response to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease affecting local farms in the Larnaca area. This measure aims to control the spread of the highly contagious viral disease which has been reported in 11 farms, prompting health authorities to take drastic action. The operation commenced on Monday following the confirmation of the first case of the disease on Friday.

Veterinary official Sotiria Georgiadou has stated that the outbreak has remained contained within a 3 to 10-kilometer radius from the initial infection point, which provides a semblance of reassurance regarding its containment. Health authorities have implemented a strict surveillance zone in response to the outbreak, where additional cases have been identified, but thus far, there are indications that the disease is not spreading beyond this limit. The rapid response aims to prevent a wider crisis in the region.

The situation highlights the significant impact of agricultural diseases not only on animal health but also on local economies and public health safety standards. As the authorities work to manage and contain this outbreak, the implications for livestock owners and the farming community in Cyprus could be severe, potentially affecting food supply chains and agricultural practices in the longer term.