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Cyprus Imposes Livestock Lockdown As Contagious Animal Fever Spreads

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Swift Government Intervention

Cyprus’ Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture have imposed emergency restrictions on livestock operations across the island following the detection of a highly contagious animal fever. The measures, published in the Official Gazette, are aimed at containing the outbreak and limiting economic losses to the livestock sector.

Comprehensive Movement Restrictions

Under directives issued by Christodoulos Pipis, Director of Veterinary Services, strict controls were introduced under the Animal Health Laws (2001–2023). The measures apply nationwide and include:

  • A ban on the movement of cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats to and from farms.

  • Suspension of grazing activities in open fields.

  • Restrictions on transporting animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and equipment, as well as limits on personnel access to farms.

  • A prohibition on recreational or educational visits, with access limited to essential animal care only.

Exceptions And Strategic Response Measures

To prevent disruption to essential supply chains, limited exemptions may be granted for:

  • Transporting animals directly to slaughterhouses.

  • Delivery of feed and veterinary supplies by approved operators.

  • Water supply required for animal welfare.

Although the disease does not pose a direct threat to human health, authorities have implemented strict containment protocols. Animals in affected units may be culled regardless of symptoms to prevent further spread and protect meat and dairy production.

Escalation And Implications For The Sector

The outbreak intensified between February 19 and 22, when 11 livestock units in Livadia, Oroklini, Troulloi, and Aradippou reported infections. Approximately 13,920 animals were considered at risk, prompting an initial compensation package estimated at €4.5 million for affected farmers. Reported cases include five units in Oroklini, four in Livadia, and one each in Aradippou and Troulloi, highlighting the concentration of infections in the Larnaca district.

Vaccination Drive And Future Outlook

Authorities have launched a large-scale vaccination campaign aimed at creating an “immunity barrier” around affected zones. The plan covers approximately 170,801 animals. So far, around 9,000 cattle within a 3-kilometer protection zone have been vaccinated. Within the broader 10-kilometer surveillance area, authorities plan to vaccinate 25,613 cattle, 97,021 sheep and goats, and 48,167 pigs. A shipment of 50,000 vaccine doses for small ruminants has already been distributed to veterinary clinics following an earlier delivery of 10,000 doses. An additional 529,000 doses supplied by the European Union are expected to arrive shortly.

Regional Enforcements And Economic Safeguards

The Larnaca district remains under the strictest controls, with 21 disinfection points and multiple police checkpoints monitoring compliance. Senior Veterinary Officer Sotiria Georgiadou emphasized that biosecurity protocols must be followed rigorously to prevent further spread.

Transparency and Market Resilience

Authorities are also investigating possible underreporting in Oroklini after laboratory analysis indicated the virus may have been present weeks before official confirmation. While Cyprus has temporarily lost its disease-free status with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), officials maintain that processed products such as halloumi remain safe for export due to heat treatment procedures that neutralize the virus. Restrictions primarily affect raw animal products.

Detailed Case Data

The authorities have provided a snapshot of the outbreak data:

Date Region Animal Units Cases
19/2 Livadia 260 Cows 5 Cases
20/2 Oroklinis 1,380 Sheep 14 Cases
20/2 Oroklinis 1,940 Sheep 12 Cases
21/2 Livadia 98 Sheep 7 Cases
21/2 Livadia 1,076 Sheep 7 Cases
21/2 Livadia 251 Sheep 24 Cases
22/2 Oroklinis 1,876 Sheep 13 Cases
22/2 Oroklinis 2,144 Sheep 15 Cases
22/2 Oroklinis 989 Sheep 13 Cases
22/2 Troulloi 939 Sheep No Reported Cases
22/2 Aradippou 2,972 Sheep No Reported Cases

Cyprus Industrial Sector Demonstrates Robust End-Of-Year Performance

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Recent data from the Cyprus Statistical Service show that the Industrial Turnover Index reached 139.8 in December 2025, compared with a base value of 100 in 2021. The figure represents a 4.9% increase compared with December 2024.

Strong Momentum Across the Board

For the full year, the index increased by 5% compared with 2024. The figures indicate continued activity across several industrial sectors in Cyprus.

Manufacturing And Mining Drive Growth

Manufacturing recorded the largest increase, with the index reaching 146.8 in December. This represents a 7.1% increase compared with the same month a year earlier. Mining and quarrying also recorded a higher turnover, with an increase of 6%.

Sectoral Disparities Highlight Strategic Challenges

Not all sectors recorded growth during the same period. The electricity supply sector reported a 3.8% decline, while the water supply and materials recovery sector decreased by 6.8% year-on-year.

Aligned With European Standards

The Industrial Turnover Index measures monthly changes in turnover across key industrial sectors, including mining, manufacturing, electricity supply, and water supply. Under the NACE Rev. 2 classification used across the European Union, the index covers sections B, C, D, and E. Activities such as sewerage, waste collection, and remediation are not included.

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