PTA: Foot-and-mouth disease is spreading in the Mediterranean region

TALLINN - Following the detection of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak at a cattle and sheep farm on the Greek island of Lesbos, the Agriculture and Food Board (PTA) is warning travelers to the affected area to avoid contact with animals and not bring back any meat or dairy products.

According to Olev Kalda, head of the PTA's Animal Health and Welfare Department, foot-and-mouth disease was detected in cattle in the northern part of Lesbos. The island is located near Turkey, where the disease is quite common, with 1,717 outbreaks in 2025 and 53 in 2026. "It is currently unknown how the disease spread to the island and which serotype is involved. The last time foot-and-mouth disease was detected in this region was in 1994," Kalda explained.

In recent months, cases of foot-and-mouth disease among European Union member states have also been registered in Cyprus, where the disease has spread to several regions. "As of March 16, 2026, 40 outbreaks have been confirmed in Cyprus, and the disease has also spread to the Nicosia region. In total, nearly 26,000 affected animals have been or will be culled due to the disease," Kalda added.

Foot-and-mouth disease is an extremely contagious animal disease with a major economic impact, primarily affecting cattle, but also pigs, sheep, goats, and wild cloven-hoofed animals. The disease spreads rapidly through direct contact, as well as via air, contaminated objects, and animal products.

The spread of the disease leads to strict trade restrictions on the movement and export of animals and animal products, which can significantly impact the agricultural sector.