Foot-and-mouth disease, a disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, has worsened in Europe, with new outbreaks in Greece and Cyprus and, therefore, the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV) called for the reinforcement of preventive measures.
“The epidemiological situation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the European Union has recently worsened, following the confirmation of new outbreaks of the disease in the eastern Mediterranean region”, reads an informative note.
On March 15, an outbreak was confirmed on the island of Lesvos, Greece. The last occurrence had been recorded in 1994.
The outbreak was recorded on a cattle and sheep farm, with 288 animals. Control measures were implemented, including the slaughter of animals.
In the Republic of Cyprus, the first outbreak was detected in the Larnaka region.
To date, 42 outbreaks have been confirmed and emergency vaccination has been implemented, in addition to safety measures.
On the other hand, the AF virus circulates in Türkiye, which has borders with the European Union, which constitutes an “additional risk factor”.
This disease is still distributed in several regions of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Since 2025, outbreaks have been reported in countries such as Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, in addition to several African countries.
Like this, DGAV asked producers, veterinarians, transporters, industrialists and traders to reinforce preventive measures, which include cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and ships that transport animals.
In addition, there is a prohibition on feeding animals with washing and kitchen and table waste and the destruction of animal by-products.
Food scraps should also not be left accessible to wild boars.
Any occurrence or suspicion of foot-and-mouth disease must be reported to the DGAV.
The disease can cause a decrease in milk production, lack of appetite, miscarriages or sudden death.
Vesicles (a type of blister) may appear on the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, teats and nostrils of animals and gray or yellow streaks on the heart.
There is no treatment for this disease and vaccination is prohibited in the European Union, “except in emergency situations”.
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