Two new cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Dromolaxia were confirmed by the veterinary service on Monday, bringing the total number of affected units to 54 across Larnaca and Nicosia.

The latest infections involve small groups of sheep and goats within an already designated infected zone.

Officials said epidemiological investigations have been completed nationwide based on statistical sampling, with further tracing and targeted testing continuing in affected areas.

Veterinary Service spokeswoman Sotiria Georgiadou assured that there is “no risk from the consumption of meat and milk,” amid increased demand during the Easter period.

Vaccination efforts remain central to containment, as authorities report that second-dose coverage has reached around 60 per cent for cattle and 27 per cent for sheep and goats.

Vaccination of pigs within infected zones has also progressed to 73 per cent.

The second round of vaccinations is expected to be completed by the end of April.

The outbreak has already led to significant losses, with more than 30,000 animals having been culled, including entire herds in affected units.

Despite the scale of the response, officials say there is currently no evidence of the disease spreading beyond affected districts.

“All samples from the remaining provinces are negative,” Georgiadou said, adding that strict adherence to biosecurity measures remains essential to protect unaffected areas.

Compensation measures are underway, as authorities confirmed that advance payments for loss of income have already been issued to eligible farmers who lost 50 or more animals, with total disbursements so far reaching €215,460.

Further compensation covering milk production and feed costs is expected at a later stage, with officials aiming to provide additional support before Easter.

At the same time, monitoring continues in sensitive areas such as Pergamos in the buffer zone, where several livestock units remain under inspection following concerns about possible contamination through mixed milk supplies.

No cases have been detected there so far.