Bluetongue outbreaks, ranging from isolated cases to widespread infections, have occurred in Cyprus in about half of the years since 1924. Serious outbreaks occurred in 1924, 1939, 1943, 1946, 1951, and 1965. Most cases occurred in September, October, November and December. The last outbreak prior to 1977 was in 1969. Virus types isolated in the past were types 3 and 4. In 1977 the outbreak was serious, affecting 13.1 per cent of 27,837 in-contact sheep; these were scattered in 303 flocks of 65 villages throughout the Government-controlled area. The virus type isolated was type 4. Culicoides were involved in bluetongue transmission in the island.

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A national anti-echinococcosis campaign was started in 1971, in which education of the public, the control of dogs and the control of slaughter were emphasised. The campaign has already achieved almost total elimination of infection in food animals born subsequent to its initiation. Stray dogs are rare and all others are registered and examined three or four times a year. Infection in dogs has decreased by over 80 per cent (from 6-8 in 1972 to 1-1 in 1976). Legislation governing abattoir functioning and dog control is in force. Violation of legislation is penalised, although the level of awareness of the problem by the public, who co-operate willingly, does not often warrant this.