In Cyprus, an EU member state, FMD outbreaks have affected pig farms for the first time. In mid-April 2026, the virus was detected at three farms in the Nicosia district, about 10 km east of the capital. All three sites were located less than 400 meters from one another and housed substantial pig populations.
The largest farm held more than 12,300 pigs, while the other two had 4,300 and 4,500 animals, respectively. In total, 21,144 pigs were culled as part of disease control measures.
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, these cases are part of a broader spread of the virus across the island. The total number of infected farms in the Republic of Cyprus has reached 102, including 12 with cattle. The majority of outbreaks, however, have occurred on farms keeping sheep and goats in the regions of Nicosia and Larnaca.
Particular concern surrounds the location of the affected pig farms, which are situated very close to—or even within—the UN buffer zone that runs across the island. This 180-kilometer demarcation line has existed since 1974 and separates the southern part of the island (the Republic of Cyprus) from the northern territory, which lacks international recognition.
Experts suggest that the current outbreaks may have originated from the northern part of the island. Comprehensive information from that area remains limited, as international organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health publish data only from recognized states.
Reports of virus circulation in Northern Cyprus date back to December 2025. Cases were identified near settlements in the Famagusta and Kyrenia districts, where laboratory testing confirmed the SAT-1 strain. Vaccination campaigns were also reported to have been launched at that time.
It is worth noting that Cyprus had been free of FMD since 2008. The first official reports of new outbreaks in the Republic of Cyprus were submitted to WOAH on February 19, 2026.
At the same time, FMD control efforts are ongoing in Greece, particularly on the island of Lesvos, where 43 outbreaks have been recorded. Although pig farms have not been affected there, the virus continues to spread among other animal species.
Overall, the FMD situation in the region remains complex, and its spread to pig farms in Cyprus highlights rising epizootic risks and the need for strengthened control measures, enhanced biosecurity, and closer international coordination.
PigUA.info, based on materials from pigprogress.net