The EU’s crisis reserve is assisting Cyprus in its response to foot-and-mouth disease

Whilst Cyprus continues to grapple with the aftermath of February’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, the European Commission has mobilised its strategic reserve of emergency supplies,rescEU, to support the ongoing response.

The mobilisation follows a request for assistance from the Cypriot authorities via theEU Civil Protection Mechanism. It includes disinfectants, personal protective equipment, disposable coveralls, face masks, shoe covers and other essential items to curb the spread of the virus.

Cyprus has been working closely with the Commission since the outbreak began. The Commission has already mobilised assistance, providing over one million doses of vaccine for the whole island from the EU vaccine bank and three deployments of an EU Emergency Veterinary Team, which offered advice and specialist assistance on the ground. In addition, Commissioner Várhelyi visited Cyprus earlier this month to underline the Commission’s full solidarity with Cyprus in the face of this outbreak.

The Commissioner for Animal Health and Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, stated:

“Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most contagious animal diseases known. Controlling it requires swift and decisive action based on veterinary science and long-established international protocols. These measures are necessary to protect healthy livestock, contain the outbreak and allow production to resume safely. We are fully mobilised to support Cyprus. We have already provided veterinary assistance, laboratory support and over one million doses of vaccine from the EU vaccine bank, and the EU will also contribute to the financial compensation of affected farmers and operators.”

The Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said: 

“Europe does not wait for crises to escalate. With rescEU, we are acting swiftly and in full solidarity with Cyprus. We are providing concrete support on the ground, helping to contain the outbreak and protect both livelihoods and public health. This is what a Union of Preparedness means in practice: Member States can count on Europe when it is needed most.”

TheEU Emergency Response Coordination Centrestands ready to mobilise further assistance if requested.

More information: European Commission.