Bluetongue disease cases reported in Cyprus livestock farms

New cases of bluetongue disease (BTV-4) have been detected in livestock farms across Cyprus, bringing the total number of affected facilities to five. The most recent outbreaks were recorded on September 30, 2026, in a Limassol farm housing 941 sheep and goats, and on September 25, 2026, in a Nicosia unit containing 456 animals. Currently, the five affected farms oversee a total population of 2,178 sheep and goats, with 52 confirmed infections and 10 reported animal deaths.

Bluetongue disease is caused by the BTV-4 serotype and is transmitted via blood-sucking insects of the Culicoides genus, particularly mosquitoes. Authorities emphasize that the disease does not spread through direct contact between animals and does not pose a risk to human health. Veterinary services are actively monitoring the situation and have implemented containment measures at the affected sites to prevent further transmission. Efforts are ongoing to manage the outbreak and mitigate impact on the livestock sector.