NICOSIA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in southeastern Cyprus have imposed strict quarantine across parts of Larnaca district to contain a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, the Cyprus Mail reported on Saturday.

The outbreak is centered in the village of Oroklini, about 6 km northeast of Larnaca city, with linked cases reported in nearby Livadia. Veterinary authorities in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus confirmed on Friday the first case of FMD at a cow-breeding unit in Livadia.

The veterinary services confirmed two large sheep and goat units in Oroklini as the epicenter, indicating that the virus has been present for at least two weeks. Around 300 livestock at the Livadia farm are being culled under sanitary protocols, and farm products, including milk and meat, have been seized. Any new positive case within the three-kilometre protection zone would trigger culling of all animals on the affected premises.

Twenty-three livestock holdings in the containment area are under daily inspection. Authorities have tightly controlled animal movements, blocked roads, disinfected vehicles, and strengthened police patrols.

Authorities are mobilizing veterinarians from other districts and the private sectors while investigating possible transmission routes, including animal feed. Restrictions could be lifted after 21 days if no new cases emerge. ■