New decree to ease foot-and-mouth disease restrictions in Cyprus

Dimitris Epameinondas, President of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association and member of the epidemiological team, announced that a new decree easing restrictions related to foot-and-mouth disease is expected to be issued on July 3, 2026. This decision follows an assessment of livestock organization requests and a positive epidemiological outlook. Surveillance efforts remain active, with approximately 70 samples collected, all of which returned negative results. Vaccination campaigns and continued sampling are ongoing across affected areas. Regarding financial compensation for animal culling and fodder, roughly 90% of payments are expected to be completed by Friday. Remaining claims will be processed starting next week, including previously delayed cases that required legal clarification regarding animal labeling. The Attorney General's office provided guidance to resolve these administrative issues, ensuring compensation proceedings can move forward.