A serious animal disease has been found in northern Cyprus. It is called foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This disease was confirmed last week near Famagusta. Now, more rules are in place for the whole island. Officials are working hard to stop the disease from spreading. They also want to protect the economy.
Private vets first saw signs of FMD in about seventy cows. Then, the Veterinary Services of Cyprus confirmed the disease. A high alert is now active. Emergency checks are happening across the Republic. The Director of Veterinary Services said the situation is serious. It is hard to stop the disease completely.
New rules are helping to prevent the spread. There are controls across the country. Border security is stronger along the UN Green Line. Police and Customs are watching more closely. They are checking for illegal animal movement. People are asked to report stray animals.
This discovery has hurt the economy. Australia stopped buying halloumi cheese and dairy products. This is bad for Cyprus because these exports are important. The Ministry of Agriculture is talking to international groups. They want to change Australia's decision. Cyprus may complain to the World Trade Organisation.
The Veterinary Services have put sixteen new measures in place. These include more checks. They have talked to vets and farmers. Experts from the European Commission visited the affected area. They want to learn more about the outbreak. Officials say the disease did not start in government areas. They are focused on stopping it from spreading.