Cyprus has started a big emergency plan. This is because they found Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in animals. The disease is in the Lapathos area. The Ministry of Agriculture has made everything a high alert. All government groups are working to stop the disease from spreading. Strict rules are now in place across the whole island. Australia has also removed Cyprus from its list of FMD-free countries. This will hurt important export markets.
An important meeting happened on December 22nd. It lasted for three hours. Many people were there. These included farming groups and vets. They talked about how to stop the disease. They also discussed ways to make measures stronger. Everyone agreed the situation was serious. It could cause big economic problems.
The government has a plan. They want to make farms safer. Strong rules are stopping animals from moving. This is happening at all points between the north and south. More checks are now on the Green Line. Police and other groups are watching carefully. They want to stop animals from moving without permission. Milk transport is also being checked more closely.
The outbreak has caused international problems. Australia stopped calling Cyprus FMD-free on December 19th. This is bad for halloumi cheese exports. Halloumi is important for Cyprus's economy. Cyprus is talking to Australia. They want them to change their decision. The European Commission knows about the problem.
There are worries about the disease spreading. The British Bases are also taking care. Farmers have promised to help stop the spread. The government is telling people not to worry. FMD does not harm people. Animal products are safe to eat. The next few days will be very important for Cyprus.