New foot-and-mouth disease outbreak identified at a pig farm in Cyprus

A new case of foot-and-mouth disease has been recorded at a pig farm in the Paliometocho area of Cyprus, causing serious concern among veterinary services.

According to department representatives, the situation raises questions as the outbreak was identified outside previously established surveillance zones. Specialists are currently conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of infection.

It is assumed that the virus could have been introduced through people, vehicles, or objects, but the exact cause has not yet been established.

The scale of the farm presents a particular challenge — involving approximately 4,000 animals, which complicates measures to localize the outbreak.

Authorities do not rule out the risk of further spread, especially given the proximity of other farms. Samples have already been taken for analysis to track the dynamics of the virus's spread.

According to the latest data, the number of infected sites has reached about 100, and specialists warn that the situation could worsen.

The main task now is to stop the spread of the infection, including through accelerated vaccination and strict control.