A serious outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease has caused new rules in Cyprus. Animals cannot move around the country. This is because the disease is very contagious. It has affected many farms in the Larnaca area.
Veterinary experts from Europe are helping. They are also killing many cattle. This is to stop the disease from spreading to more animals. The disease was first found on Sunday. Six farms had the disease. Then three more farms in Livadia got sick.
The government has stopped all animal transport. This is a big problem for farmers. One farm in Livadia had 260 cattle killed. This was a difficult but necessary step. A special zone of three kilometres is around the sick farm.
Other areas are also being watched. Oroklini has also reported cases. Animals in these areas must stay in quarantine for 21 days. European veterinary specialists have arrived to help. They are trying to find out where the disease started.
The movement ban will affect farmers a lot. They cannot sell or move their animals. The government says farmers will get money later. This should happen in one or two months.
Officials say the disease is not dangerous for people. You can still eat meat and dairy from Cyprus. Farms are being cleaned very carefully. All animals are being watched. They might use vaccines later if needed.