A total of eight fines totalling €45,000 have been issued to livestock farmers for breaching restrictions linked to foot and mouth disease, the veterinary services department said on Friday.

It said the penalties followed “extensive and targeted inspections” at farms and areas of heightened animal movements.

Six further “serious” cases have also been reported to the police for further investigation.

“The veterinary services department is consistently and strictly implementing the current framework, with the aim of protecting livestock, ensuring animal production and limiting the spread of the virus,” the statement said.

It said human activity is a key factor in the spread of the disease, particularly through the movement and contact of animals, equipment and vehicles.

The department again called for “strict adherence to biosecurity measures” as a means of mitigating the transmission of the virus.

The update comes as the outbreak continues to affect more than 100 livestock units in Nicosia and Larnaca, with large numbers of animals culled as part of control measures.

Authorities have raised repeated concerns regarding illegal animal movements, warning that such actions undermine efforts to contain the disease.

They said enforcement of movement restrictions, along with culling, vaccination and monitoring, remains necessary under European Union regulations.