At the beginning of the year, Cypriot farmers faced an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease — a viral infection that primarily affects cows, sheep, and pigs. Around two dozen infected farms have been identified in the Larnaca District area. Authorities have imposed restrictions on livestock movement and strengthened biosecurity measures.

For people far removed from agriculture, such news may sound alarming. But the main question is: is it dangerous for humans?

The short answer: practically no.

What is foot-and-mouth disease?

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals: cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The disease is accompanied by high fever and the appearance of blisters (vesicles) in the mouth, on the udder, limbs, and around the hooves. Among animals, the virus spreads rapidly, especially through close contact.

According to preliminary data, the source of the current outbreak may have been linked to contaminated feed.

- It is important to emphasize: foot-and-mouth disease is an animal disease.
- It is not transmitted from person to person like the flu or other respiratory infections.

- It is sometimes confused with the childhood illness “hand, foot, and mouth disease,” but this is a completely different condition caused by a different virus.

 

Is foot-and-mouth disease dangerous for humans?

International veterinary organizations and the authorities of Cyprus emphasize that foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a serious threat to human health or food safety.

Human infections are extremely rare and usually mild. The virus is poorly adapted to the human body.

Even in the case of accidental contact with an infected animal, the risk of illness is minimal. Nevertheless, basic hygiene measures should always be observed.

 

Are food products safe?  Yes.

- Meat undergoes heat treatment.
- Milk is pasteurized.
- Products in stores pass veterinary control.

Heat treatment and pasteurization effectively destroy the virus.

The only real risk is consuming raw milk of unknown origin.
Therefore, it is not advisable to buy dairy products “from hand” in outbreak areas.

 

Recommendations for residents and tourists

For ordinary residents and tourists:
There is no need for special restrictions.

- Do not visit farms unnecessarily.
- Do not touch unfamiliar animals.
- Avoid quarantine zones.
- Do not consume raw milk or homemade cheeses of unknown origin.

For farmers:
- Strengthen biosecurity measures.
- Restrict access to farms.
- Disinfect footwear and clothing.
- Isolate suspicious animals.
- Immediately report symptoms to veterinary services.

It is important to remember that there is no effective treatment for foot-and-mouth disease. If the disease is confirmed, animals are culled to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

Is there any need to panic?  No.

Foot-and-mouth disease causes economic damage to livestock farming, but the risk to human health is extremely low.

It is enough to follow simple rules:

- do not drink raw milk,
- maintain proper hygiene,
- follow official recommendations.

The situation is under control of veterinary services. In time, farms will return to normal operations.